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EIGHT BUSINESSES APPROVED BY SF SMALL BUSINESS COMMISSION FOR THE LEGACY BUSINESS REGISTRY

 

San Francisco, CA — On Monday, January 14, 2019, eight businesses 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 160 small businesses on the Legacy Business Registry.

Alioto’s Restaurant: #8 Fisherman's Wharf

Nominated by Supervisor Aaron Peskin

Alioto’s Restaurant is a landmark family-owned restaurant serving seafood specialties like crab Cioppino and Sicilian family recipes handed down by generations. What started in 1925 as a fresh fish stand at stall #8 by Sicilian immigrant Nunzio Alioto grew to become the first building on Fisherman’s Wharf in 1932, then a full scale restaurant in 1938. The restaurant boasts stunning bay views and sports an iconic fish-shaped neon sign and name.

“My grandparents Rose and Nunzio opened our family owned restaurant in 1925 and we've been serving Italian seafood on Fisherman's Wharf ever since," said Annette Alioto, Vice President of Alioto's Restaurant. "Alioto's treats our guests with 'della famiglia' charm and continues to be an iconic San Francisco classic. We are proud to join the Legacy Business Registry. Molto Buono!"

Bay View Boat Club: 489 Terry A. Francois Blvd.

Nominated by Supervisor Aaron Peskin

Bay View Boat Club is a nonprofit organization formed in 1963 to promote recreational boating to everyone, with a focus on underserved neighborhoods and average citizens. The Club moved in 1964 to Mission Bay from Hunters Point. It offers educational programs and family-friendly activities for all ages, including the Youth Boating Program, Women on the Water and Wharf Rats. The Club averages 50-80 guests per day and is run by a team of over 300 volunteers.

“Since 1963, the Bay View Boat Club has been committed to the stewardship of the Bay shoreline," said board member Cynthia Hall. "We are honored by our inclusion on the Legacy Business Registry as it will help us continue our vital tradition of bringing boating to average citizens and underserved neighborhoods.”

Couture European Designer Clothing: 395 Sutter Street

Nominated by Supervisor Aaron Peskin

David Yahid, a passionate menswear aficionado, opened Couture Designer European Clothing in 1989 focused on attention to detail and the full customer experience. The store sells high-end menswear customized to fit the needs of each customer and specializes in serving people who have difficulty finding clothing elsewhere often based on height, weight or disabilities. It has secured loyal clientele over the years from politicians, pro athletes and celebrities, including players from the Golden State Warriors to former Mayor Willie Brown.

"The essence of Couture is the personal touch that comes from ensuring the clothes, the fit, and the person all go hand in hand. Big box retailers don't offer this type of service," said David Yahid, owner of Couture Designer European Clothing. "Thirty years later and we're still here preserving a piece of what Sutter Street once was, a mecca of independent high-end clothing stores."

For Your Eyes Only Optometry: 552 Castro Street

Nominated by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman

For Your Eyes Only Optometry was founded in 1983 by the late Dr. Kenneth Agues as an optometry practice offering high-quality eye care for all people. During the early 1990s, the business served individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS who were at high risk of an aggressive eye infection that led to blindness. Since 1991, Dr. Kathleen Kennedy has been at the helm of the business, upholding its reputation in the Castro as a trusted community-serving source of eye care for all patients regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or other traits.

"At For Your Eyes Only Optometry we love San Francisco and we especially love our Castro community," said owner and Chief Optometrist, Dr. Kathleen Kennedy. "For over 35 years we have proudly provided compassionate care of the highest quality to our neighborhood during times of hardship and joy. We are truly honored to be named a Legacy Business!"

Kimochi, Inc.: 1715 Buchanan Street

Nominated by Supervisor Vallie Brown

Kimochi, Inc. is a nonprofit organization serving Japantown seniors since 1971. The agency helps local seniors access public services and benefits, offers healthy meal delivery services and plans culturally appropriate performances and activities. In 1983, it opened its first site for residential and respite care for seniors and has since operated five sites total – four in San Francisco and one in San Mateo.

"We are honored to be acknowledged as one of San Francisco’s Legacy Businesses," said Steve Ishii, Executive Director of Kimochi, Inc. “Kimochi’s long history in providing vital, culturally-sensitive programs and services to seniors and their caregivers for 47 years demonstrates our enduring commitment to the community.”

 

Other Avenues: 3930 Judah Street

Nominated by former Supervisor Katy Tang

Other Avenues is a neighborhood grocery store established in 1975 by participants of the Food Conspiracy, a grassroots organization dedicated to buying and distributing wholesale food among themselves. As a worker-owned cooperative, the business is owned by a group of employees who manage the business together and share in decision making. They have thrived over the years by practicing democratic leadership, sharing the annual surplus and leaving the assets to benefit the community.

"Other Avenues was founded by the people, for the people,” said Emily Huston, co-owner of the business. "A group of counterculture individuals dared to break the mold, set up buying clubs, and distribute organic, healthy food to all. As a fully worker-owned co-op, we're honored to join the wonderful Legacy Businesses that make this city shine."

St. Mary’s Pub: 3845 Mission Street

Nominated by Supervisor Hillary Ronen

St. Mary’s Pub is believed to be the oldest repeal bar in San Francisco opened in 1933 shortly after Prohibition was repealed. Purchased in 2010 by current owner Maria Davis and partner, the bar was remodeled and transformed from a dingy dive bar to a landmark neighborhood bar in College Hill. Patrons come for the cheap drinks, great atmosphere, fresh free popcorn and award-winning Bloody Mary.

"St. Mary’s Pub has been a neighborhood institution for over 85 years, and it is an honor to be recognized by the city,” said owner Maria Davis. “Being part of the Legacy Business Registry not only acknowledges the bar itself, but the incredible community that has kept this piece of San Francisco history alive for so long!"

 

Ted’s Market & Delicatessen: 1530 Howard Street

Nominated by former Supervisor Jane Kim

Ted’s Market is a mom-and-pop corner store offering a full delicatessen, catering, fresh food to go and market with a wide selection of beer, wine and liquor. Opened in 1967 by husband and wife Theodore and Penelope Zouzounis, native San Franciscans, the business is now run by 2^nd and 3^rd generation family members. Ted’s Market steadily holds its place as a neighborhood staple known for delicious secret-sauce-doused sandwiches and its commitment to community.

“My parents opened Ted’s Market over 50 years ago during the Summer of Love and it remains a staple in the SoMa today,” said owner David Zouzounis. “We have seen the area change so much, but will continue treating our customers like family and giving back to the neighborhood and city we love.”

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 Historical 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.

 

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