News from the Heart & Soul of San Francisco
In a certain sign that the center of gravity on Fillmore continues to shift southward, Kiehl’s plans to move its body products store from 2360 Fillmore to 1971 Fillmore, at the intersection with Pine Street. “Our lease is up and we’re looking for a new home,” said store manager Cris Thorngate. “It’s time for us…
Many people would be thrilled to have internationally known retailers set up shop on their streets, but prominent new neighbors have made some Fillmore residents uneasy, according to a report in California Apparel News. Independent boutique owners and their staffs in the upscale neighborhood fear their days are numbered. “In 15 years, this street will…
SF Weekly offers a cover story this week on the uncertain future of Fillmore Street’s Clay Theater. “People don’t want the Clay Theater to die,” the Weekly says. “But judging from ticket sales, they don’t want to see films there either.” Read more
MARUYA SUSHI served its final saba sushi on October 29, 2010, after feeding generations of neighbors for the past 45 years. Yoshimi and Kats Oune have retired and closed their take-out sushi shop, which was begun by her mother. The tiny storefront at 1904 Fillmore will become a jewelry store. EARLIER: Serving up sushi in…
FIRST PERSON | Ken Samuels The other day, while selling some books to a couple of young men, I realized I’d known them since they were little kids pleading with their mothers to buy them Berenstain Bears books. That sums up my decade and a half at Browser Books on Fillmore and Sacramento selling books…
One of Fillmore Street’s iconic institutions will disappear by the end of the year when Fillmore Hardware closes its doors promptly at 5:55 for the final time. For 49 years — since 1961 — the store has been the ultimate neighborhood-serving business. Originally twice its present size, it was a full-service hardware and glass company…
There’s been no breakthrough yet, but negotiations are continuing between the owner of the Clay Theater and the San Francisco Film Society, which hopes to make the theater its home. In addition, the owner’s architect has met with the CEO of Landmark Theatres, the current operator, about renovations that might make the theater attractive to…
ARCHITECTURE | THERESE POLETTI In one of the more unusual examples of architectural ornament in San Francisco, a circle of lady bugs surrounds what appears to be a 1915 Ford Model-T Roadster. They adorn the facade of the architecturally significant 94-year-old garage that is home to Hayes Auto Repair at 2401 Bush Street, between Pierce…
Carlo Middione and his late and beloved Fillmore restaurant Vivande are back in the news today. The Chronicle reports that he’s included in a new book discussing his loss of taste and smell after he was involved a car accident. Read more: Carlo Middione can’t taste but still loves to cook And don’t miss the…
Elena Basegio and her father Doug Basegio opened the Fillmore Bakeshop at Bush and Fillmore just in time for the World Series. “We spent last night figuring out how to put the Giants in pastry form,” Elena said a few days after opening. The result: a white chiffon cake filled with chocolate mousse and covered…