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ARMSTRONG CARPET, NEW WORLD MARKET, S & S GROCERY, YUET LEE RESTAURANT APPROVED BY SF SMALL BUSINESS COMMISSION FOR

THE LEGACY BUSINESS REGISTRY

 

San Francisco, CA — On Monday, February 25th, four businesses, Armstrong Carpet & Linoleum Company, New World Market, S & S Grocery and Yuet Lee Restaurant were unanimously approved by the San Francisco Small Business Commission for the Legacy Business Registry. The Registry recognizes longstanding, community-serving businesses as valuable cultural assets to the city. There are currently 167 small businesses on the Legacy Business Registry.

Armstrong Carpet & Linoleum Company: 369 West Portal Avenue

Nominated by Supervisor Norman Yee

Armstrong Carpet and Linoleum Company (“Armstrong Carpet”) was founded in 1946 by Chuck Armstrong after returning to San Francisco from service in World War II. The business changed hands over the years and is now at the helm of Anna Marie and Steve Balestrieri, and Liam Caldwell, who each worked at the shop before assuming ownership. Installation expertise is the engine behind the business’ success; generations of master mechanics, journeyman and craftsman are trained offering a continuity of skilled labor. Their clientele include well-known residents including Danielle Steele, Sharon Stone and the Getty Residence, though it maintains a community serving approach and boasts employees who grew up and live in the neighborhoods they serve. Armstrong Carpet displays its original neon sign that dates back to the 1950s and relocated with the business to its current location in West Portal. 

 

“Armstrong Carpet & Linoleum Company has been proudly serving the San Francisco Bay Area with quality flooring and window coverings since 1946,” said Liam Caldwell, owner of Armstrong Carpet. “Our longevity is a testament to our commitment to craftsmanship, and our community. We are elated to be approved for the Legacy Business distinction.” 

New World Market: 5641 Geary Street

Nominated by Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer

New World Market is an international grocery, delicatessen and meat shop specializing in traditional Eastern European and Northern Asian food and beverages. The business was founded in 1982 on Balboa Street by Mikhail and Nonna Sukhovitsky, a couple from the former Soviet Union looking to start the American Dream; while bringing a piece of their home culture to the United States. For many people in the Richmond District, New World Market has become a home away from home and a community gathering place, serving delicacies from their home countries, like Poland, Ukraine, and Russia not offered at other grocery stores in the city. The store was sold in 2015 to Boris, Leon and Zina Fudym and underwent renovations including new flooring, equipment and upgraded kitchen appliances, yet maintaining the traditional look and feel. The business has operated at 5641 Geary Boulevard since 2000 when it moved from its original location on Balboa Street.

“We are honored to have been approved for inclusion in the Legacy Business Registry,” said owners Boris and Leon Fudym. “It has truly been and continues to be a pleasure to serve our multinational customers in San Francisco every day.”

S & S Grocery: 1461 Grant Avenue

Nominated by Supervisor Aaron Peskin

S & S Grocery is a family-operated neighborhood grocery store situated on a historic stretch of Grant Avenue in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood. The business was founded by S. Louie in 1959 and changed hands in 1975 to the Toy family and in 1999 to the Lau family. The store offers fresh produce, wine, eggs and dairy products, canned foods, snacks and other convenience items. It is known for convenient late night hours, serving the community until up to 2:00 AM several nights a week. The store has seen many changes in the city, but has maintained as a fixture of the neighborhood. A unique appeal to the storefront is a historic and colorful 7-Up sign above their awning from the “Uncola” advertising campaign of 1969-1973. S & S Grocery has operated at 1461 Grant Avenue since its founding.

“On behalf of the Lau family, I want to recognize my aunt and uncle, the Toy family, for their dedication in building the business,” said F. Lau-Chan, owner of S&S Grocery. “It is our honor to carry on this family business as a San Francisco Legacy Business. We want to thank our customers. We also want to thank Supervisor Aaron Peskin and the Legacy Business Program staff for their professional guidance and support.”

Yuet Lee Restaurant: 1300 Stockton Street

Nominated by Supervisor Aaron Peskin

Yuet Lee Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant serving traditional Hong Kong style Cantonese dishes since 1977 when the Yu family moved to San Francisco and brought with them time-honored family recipes. Well-known for cash-only late night favorites, the business is considered an icon in Chinatown for seafood delicacies, like salt and pepper squid and garlic crab— beloved by locals and tourists alike. The business serves 300 to 500 customers per day in a space that seats 47 people. The restaurant has not changed much over years – its façade, exterior color and layout mostly the same – giving the traditional look and feel. The business has operated at 1300 Stockton Street since its founding.

“We have been serving authentic Hong Kong Style dishes in San Francisco for over 40 years, and we are excited to continue doing so as a Legacy Business,” said Sam Yu, owner of Yuet Lee Restaurant. “I am particularly delighted to see that the name, Yuet Lee, will be listed on the Legacy Business Registry because the restaurant is named after my parents. Yuet Lee is actually a combination of their names.”

About the Legacy Business Program

A Legacy Business is a for-profit or nonprofit business that has operated in San Francisco for 30 or more years. The business must contribute to the neighborhood's history and/or the identity of a particular neighborhood or community, and it must commit to maintaining the physical features or traditions that define the business, including craft, culinary or art forms.
The registration process for the Legacy Business Program includes nomination by Mayor London N. Breed or a member of the Board of Supervisors, a written application, an advisory recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission and approval of the Small Business Commission. Inclusion in the Registry provides Legacy Businesses with recognition and support as an incentive for them to stay in the community. The program also provides educational and promotional assistance to encourage their continued viability and success in San Francisco.

For more information about the Legacy Business Program, including a list and map of businesses on the Legacy Business Registry, visit http://sfosb.org/legacy-business.