Sunday

06-29-2025 Vol 2006

Updates on Jollibee Opening and Local Food Scene Changes

The wait for the new Jollibee location in downtown San Francisco continues, much to the disappointment of eager fans.

Since the closure of the Payless ShoeSource at Market and Fifth streets, speculation has been rampant about when Jollibee will finally open its doors.

Since 2021, food media has kept a close eye on the situation, noting every twist and turn regarding the anticipated restaurant.

Initially, a timeline suggested an opening in November or December 2024, but that has now been pushed back further with the latest insight indicating a possible opening in August 2025.

This information gained traction following a San Francisco Business Times article highlighting a Google Map listing indicating “Opens August” alongside recent modifications to the building and advertisements for employment.

Despite this renewed interest, an official spokesperson from Jollibee stated that no opening date has been confirmed yet.

The delays have been attributed to complications related to the building’s location, which shares a wall with the BART station, thus slowing the delivery of the space.

In more local food news, the barbecue mini-chain Armadillo Willy’s has announced drastic changes, closing down its locations in Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and San Jose on June 17.

This decision leaves the company with just one operational location in San Mateo after President Kevin Roberts stated the business “ran out of funds” due to owed sales tax and financial difficulties.

Roberts explained that he attempted to work out a financial solution, but when those attempts failed, he made the tough decision to close the other locations.

The impact of the pandemic has been significant for Armadillo, with the business reporting a loss of a third of their sales since COVID-19 hit.

On a brighter note for wine enthusiasts, UC Davis’s Department of Viticulture and Enology has launched a new initiative allowing students to sell their wines to the public for the first time.

Previously, students were prohibited from selling their wine creations, but a 2020 state law has changed this dynamic, paving the way for the establishment of a nonprofit to facilitate sales.

The program, called Hilgard631, now allows interested buyers to explore a range of student-made wines available at the Teaching and Research Winery in Davis on select days.

Pricing for the wines typically ranges between $30 to $40, with some offerings from the department’s Napa Valley vineyard priced as high as $125.

In addition to these updates, the Dolores Deluxe corner store is set to host a podcast party this weekend, celebrating its growth into a neighborhood staple since opening in 2022.

The store has developed a reputation for offering delicious sandwiches, hosting a wine club, and connecting with the local community through their Forever Neighbor podcast.

The latest episode of Season 2 was released recently, signaling that a wrap party is in order.

On Sunday, June 29, from noon to 6 p.m., Dolores Deluxe is throwing a celebration at Studio Aurora located at 302 Valencia Street.

Attendees can look forward to local food options, including offerings from Lo-Fi Oyster Co. and coffee from Ritual Coffee Roasters, along with live jazz and DJ performances.

The event is open to the public, but guests are encouraged to RSVP via the Third Place.

In summary, while the anticipation for Jollibee continues with some setbacks, the local food landscape remains dynamic with Armadillo Willy’s downsizing and fresh opportunities for students in the winemaking program at UC Davis, alongside community-focused events like the Dolores Deluxe wrap party.

image source from:sf

Abigail Harper