San Francisco’s culinary landscape is witnessing significant changes with the introduction of new tenants and expansions in various neighborhoods. The storied former Le Colonial space at 20 Cosmo Place near Union Square, which has remained dark since last fall, has gained traction with new occupants. Juan Loredo and Jose Natividad, who operate the nearby bar Persona and Burlingame bars Barrelhouse and Vinyl Room, have secured the 16,000-square-foot premises. While plans for the location remain undisclosed, a neighborhood park initiative next door could enhance the environment for their future business.
Meanwhile, Fisherman’s Wharf is getting a fresh take with the arrival of Chasca Rio, a Salvadoran restaurant taking over the former Pompei’s Grotto site at 340 Jefferson Street. The establishment is partially run by Lou Giraudo, a former owner of Boudin Bakery, who is participating in a $550 million redevelopment project for Pier 45. This project aims to bring a fish market, brewery, and pizzeria, amidst plans for hotels and event spaces. The project has drawn some family controversy, as Giraudo’s son, Dan, currently owns Boudin Bakery at the head of the pier.
Joining Chasca Rio, the already announced Everett & Jones BBQ will occupy a neighboring space at 300 Jefferson, which was previously Lou’s Fish Shack. Both closures occurred during the pandemic, and their leases were terminated in 2023. Pompei’s Grotto had been in operation since 1946, making way for Chasca Rio’s new culinary adventure.
A highly anticipated venture is also set to unfold in the Castro. Leadbetter’s Bakeshop, specializing in thick and puffy English muffins, is making its way into the Castro Fountain space at 554 Castro Street. Owner Jamieson Leadbetter plans to open in mid-May, with operating hours scheduled from Wednesday to Sunday, starting as early as 7 or 8 am.
San Francisco residents have fondly remembered Leadbetter’s English muffins, once available in local markets such as Bi-Rite and Good Eggs, before the brand’s shift in focus toward gluten-free products in 2015. With the bakery’s reopening, fans can expect a delicious array of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, along with muffins in various flavors like plain, whole wheat, cinnamon raisin, cherry-chocolate, apricot-ginger, cheddar cheese, and roasted onion.
Down at the Ferry Building, Fatted Calf, a high-end deli and charcutier, has reopened its newly remodeled space as of Thursday. The revamped location now boasts larger seating arrangements along with an expanded meat and cheese case. Their operating hours are 8 am to 6 pm on Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm on Sunday, and 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays.
In the Mission District, Hi Hat has opened in the former Pi Bar space at 1432 Valencia Street, offering a menu filled with pizza, burgers, wings, and beer. Tonight, they will host an artist’s reception from 5 to 8 pm, providing an opportunity for locals to come explore the new venue.
Additionally, San Francisco Brewing Co. is set to occupy the former Seven Stills brewery and distillery space in Mission Bay, located at 100 Hooper Street. The local brewery plans to expand from its existing headquarters at Ghirardelli Square, with an anticipated opening in August. The new location will operate as a brewpub and beer garden, featuring a menu similar to that of its Ghirardelli flagship.
Lastly, down in Paso Robles, notable chef Charlie Palmer is taking over three hotel restaurants, as reported by the Chronicle. Palmer will be launching new culinary venues at the Paso Robles Inn and its sister property, transforming the current spaces of The Steakhouse at Paso Robles Inn, Cattlemen’s Lounge, and the rooftop bar Tetto.
Exciting developments are on the horizon for food enthusiasts in San Francisco, with vibrant new dining options and expansions invigorating the city’s culinary scene.
image source from：https://sfist.com/2025/04/25/le-colonial-to-become-something-new/
