San Francisco Sun

The San Francisco Small Business Commission (SBC) approved nine businesses for the Legacy Business Registry on Monday, bringing the total to 16 new additions since March 2024. This cohort includes notable establishments such as El Faro, Robert's Corned Meats, and The Fly Trap. The Registry, which began in 2015, now comprises 416 businesses.

In August, the Office of Small Business will enhance benefits for Legacy Businesses by requiring landlords to share at least 50% of the Rent Stabilization Grant with their tenants. "Legacy Businesses anchor neighborhoods and provide the backdrop for quintessential San Francisco experiences," said Cynthia Huie, President of the Small Business Commission. She emphasized that many Legacy Businesses face economic challenges similar to younger establishments.

The newly added businesses are:

- **Bissap Baobab**: A Mission District venue blending dining, culture, live music, and entertainment since 1998.

- **Bob’s Donuts and Pastries**: Family-owned donut shop established in the 1950s with locations in Polk Gulch and North of Panhandle.

- **Christopher’s Books**: An independent bookstore in Potrero Hill operating since 1991.

- **El Faro Restaurant**: A Mexican restaurant known for creating the "Mission-style Super Burrito" since 1961.

- **The Fly Trap**: One of San Francisco's oldest restaurants, founded in 1883.

- **Gallery 444**: A family-owned art gallery located in Union Square.

- **Gaslight & Shadows Antiques**: An antique store specializing in vintage items located in Richmond.

- **Java Beach Café**: A café serving locally sourced food and fair-trade coffee with two locations in Outer Sunset.

- **Joanne's Beauty Boutique**: A hair salon focusing on African American hair care since 1976.

- **Lien Ying Tai Chi Chuan Academy**: A martial arts academy teaching various Chinese martial arts since 1965.

- **MPA Design**: A landscape architectural firm established in Union Square since 1969.

- **Nihonmachi Street Fair, Inc.**: A non-profit organization producing Japantown festivals and providing community services.

- **The Ramp Restaurant**: A waterfront restaurant offering seafood and other fare located at Dogpatch.

- **Roberts Corned Meats**: The oldest corned beef company in San Francisco operating since 1910.

- **Rocco’s Cafe**: An Italian-American restaurant serving homestyle cuisine since its establishment first in Excelsior (1932) then SoMa (1990).

- **The Verdi Club**: An Italian American social club founded in Mission District in 1916.

A Legacy Business must have operated for at least three decades within San Francisco and contribute significantly to its neighborhood's history or identity. The registration process involves nomination by Mayor London N. Breed or a Board Supervisor member, a written application, an advisory recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission, and SBC approval.

Inclusion on the Registry provides recognition and support aimed at ensuring these businesses remain viable within their communities. Managed through the Office of Small Business, more information about the program can be found at www.legacybusiness.org.