The iconic Alioto’s Restaurant, marked by its giant number 8 sign, is set to be demolished following the Port of San Francisco’s announcement on Friday.
After prolonged efforts to find a new tenant for the historic establishment, officials have deemed the three-story, 11,000-square-foot building beyond its usable lifespan.
Port Director Elaine Forbes articulated that the venue has become a relic that no longer fits the vision for the future of Fisherman’s Wharf.
The closure of Alioto’s marks the end of an era for the Alioto family, who have been integral to the restaurant since its inception.
Since shuttering its doors at the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the restaurant remained closed and officially ceased operations in April 2022 after 97 years in business.
Originally opened as a fish stall in 1925 by Sicilian immigrant Nunzio Alioto Sr., the establishment expanded into a full-fledged restaurant by 1938.
The decision to demolish Alioto’s is part of a broader initiative to improve Fisherman’s Wharf, which includes the construction of a new public plaza.
This revitalization project, anticipated to cost $10 million and span several years, aims to modernize the Wharf after a period when multiple restaurant spaces nearby have remained unoccupied.
Forbes stated, ‘The Port recognizes the economic and cultural value that the Wharf generates for the City and beyond.’
She expressed excitement about the collaborative effort to bolster the Wharf’s enduring charm.
The planned plaza at Alioto’s former location will enhance public access to the lagoon behind it, which has recently allowed fishermen to sell fish and shellfish directly from their boats, according to new regulations from two years ago.
Additionally, along with the plaza’s construction, which is slated for completion in 2026, three vacant restaurant spaces on Jefferson Street will soon be filled.
The Port previously announced that Oakland-based barbecue restaurant Everett & Jones will be moving into the space formerly occupied by Lou’s Fish Shack.
Moreover, the former Pompei’s Grotto is set to transform into a Salvadoran restaurant named Chasca Rio, co-managed by former Boudin Bakery owner Lou Giraudo.
Castagnola’s, located at 286 Jefferson Street, will also be reopening, with a new operator yet to be named.
At the intersection of Jefferson and Taylor, the former Tarantino’s and Fisherman’s Grotto #9 will be utilized for pop-up activations and short-term leases while the Port explores additional outdoor activation opportunities in the vicinity.
There are indications that these buildings may ultimately see demolition as well unless there is sufficient demand for them.
These immediate upgrades at Fisherman’s Wharf are components of a larger $550 million plan aimed at revitalizing the area.
Future proposals include an event center, a small hotel, and a brewery or winery located at Pier 45 and the plot neighboring Boudin Bakery.
In October, the Port outlined this extensive plan that is crucial for maintaining the Wharf’s economic viability, ensuring the ability to carry out seismic improvements and the long-term upkeep of the piers.
However, concerns have been raised by fishermen and the current owner of Boudin Bakery about these developments, as they fear a reduction in available space for their fishing and crabbing equipment storage.
Currently, these supplies are housed on an open dock at Pier 45, where the former Shed C once stood before its destruction in a significant fire in May 2020.
There are also apprehensions regarding construction activities potentially obstructing truck access for wholesalers who regularly visit Pier 45 to purchase seafood.
In support of the Port’s revitalization endeavors, Mayor Daniel Lurie expressed his approval through a statement on Friday.
He acknowledged Fisherman’s Wharf as an iconic part of San Francisco and vital to the local economy.
Lurie emphasizes that these investments will breathe new life into the waterfront while reinforcing essential infrastructure and aiding small businesses, thanking the Port and stakeholders for their commitment to enhancing the Wharf for future generations.
image source from：https://sfist.com/2025/06/09/port-of-sf-unveils-plan-to-revamp-fishermans-wharf-demolish-historic-aliotos-restaurant/
