54% of SF storefront businesses have closed during the pandemic - Printable Version
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RE: 54% of SF storefront businesses have closed during the pandemic - Mick - 09-03-2020
(09-02-2020, 09:46 PM)82 Card Wrote: To each their own. As an affordable place to sit down for a meal with coworkers, Tommy's works for me. I have no use for those high priced places Willie Brown hangs out at or the fussy places the foodies rave about. If you're going to Tommy's as some sort of destination, you're in the wrong place.
The beer was cold, and I liked the brew selection. My wife's a wine drinker and she used to complain that you could get a good beer just about anywhere, but Tommy's Joynt and similar places typically didn't have a decent wine selection.
RE: 54% of SF storefront businesses have closed during the pandemic - 82 Card - 09-03-2020
(09-03-2020, 12:06 PM)Mick Wrote:(09-02-2020, 09:46 PM)82 Card Wrote: To each their own. As an affordable place to sit down for a meal with coworkers, Tommy's works for me. I have no use for those high priced places Willie Brown hangs out at or the fussy places the foodies rave about. If you're going to Tommy's as some sort of destination, you're in the wrong place.
The beer was cold, and I liked the brew selection. My wife's a wine drinker and she used to complain that you could get a good beer just about anywhere, but Tommy's Joynt and similar places typically didn't have a decent wine selection.
Wine at a Hofbräu? Maybe some liebfraumilch but I don't touch the sweet stuff during dinner.
RE: 54% of SF storefront businesses have closed during the pandemic - Mick - 09-04-2020
(09-03-2020, 10:59 PM)82 Card Wrote:(09-03-2020, 12:06 PM)Mick Wrote:(09-02-2020, 09:46 PM)82 Card Wrote: To each their own. As an affordable place to sit down for a meal with coworkers, Tommy's works for me. I have no use for those high priced places Willie Brown hangs out at or the fussy places the foodies rave about. If you're going to Tommy's as some sort of destination, you're in the wrong place.
The beer was cold, and I liked the brew selection. My wife's a wine drinker and she used to complain that you could get a good beer just about anywhere, but Tommy's Joynt and similar places typically didn't have a decent wine selection.
Wine at a Hofbräu? Maybe some liebfraumilch but I don't touch the sweet stuff during dinner.
Technically, TJ's doesn't offer wine...
RE: 54% of SF storefront businesses have closed during the pandemic - cctop - 09-04-2020
So what is everyone's favorite place that has closed, possibly permanently?
Mine was Pluto's, a salad-and-sandwich chain in the Bay Area. It was my go-to lunch place, and they had my favorite sandwich in the world (fresh roasted dark turkey meat, cranberry sauce, garlic mayo, and some crispy skin on a ciabatta roll).
Oddly they actually shut down a month or two before the shelter-in-place was announced, so I don't think it was related to Covid. Good timing on their part.
I see that one storefront has re-opened under new management in SF. I'll have to go check it out.
lex24 - lex24 - 09-04-2020
(09-04-2020, 10:39 AM)cctop Wrote: So what is everyone's favorite place that has closed, possibly permanently?
Mine was Pluto's, a salad-and-sandwich chain in the Bay Area. It was my go-to lunch place, and they had my favorite sandwich in the world (fresh roasted dark turkey meat, cranberry sauce, garlic mayo, and some crispy skin on a ciabatta roll).
Oddly they actually shut down a month or two before the shelter-in-place was announced, so I don't think it was related to Covid. Good timing on their part.
I see that one storefront has re-opened under new management in SF. I'll have to go check it out.
I’m still grieving from La Taqueria (First St San Jose) closing 10 years ago. Best burritos I’ve ever had. Nothing comes close.
As for Covid - Oracle! I miss going to Giants games.
RE: lex24 - 82 Card - 09-04-2020
(09-04-2020, 03:23 PM)lex24 Wrote: I’m still grieving from La Taqureria (First St San Jose) closing 10 years ago. Best burritos I’ve ever had. Nothing comes close.
If you are ever in San Francisco, you should drop in at their 2889 Mission St. location. They use the same logo. So I'm assuming you will find the same food. Proclaimed best burrito in the country by Five Thirty Eight. Not the same as having it in the neighborhood but if you're really jonesing, might be worth it. Currently open Wednesday through Sunday for takeout only.
RE: 54% of SF storefront businesses have closed during the pandemic - BostonCard - 09-04-2020
I miss the old Ti Couz in the mission. Unlike burritos, traditional Bretonese crepes are not exactly easy to find in the Bay Area.
BC
RE: 54% of SF storefront businesses have closed during the pandemic - Mick - 09-05-2020
Nick's on Main in Los Gatos. So popular Nick's Next Door opened a block away. Both are now shut down. Terrific restaurants. Both gone.
Here's the old menu:
https://www.zomato.com/los-gatos-ca/nicks-on-main-los-gatos/menu
lex24 - lex24 - 09-05-2020
(09-04-2020, 06:28 PM)82 Card Wrote:(09-04-2020, 03:23 PM)lex24 Wrote: I’m still grieving from La Taqureria (First St San Jose) closing 10 years ago. Best burritos I’ve ever had. Nothing comes close.
If you are ever in San Francisco, you should drop in at their 2889 Mission St. location. They use the same logo. So I'm assuming you will find the same food. Proclaimed best burrito in the country by Five Thirty Eight. Not the same as having it in the neighborhood but if you're really jonesing, might be worth it. Currently open Wednesday through Sunday for takeout only.
OMG. I’m still drooling. Had no idea they were in SF. THANKS. I take back any bad thing I ever said to you in any other thread..... :)
Good to see 538 agrees with me. Burritos consisted of the meat (skirt steak for Carne Asada) pinto beans and a tremendous and always fresh Pico de Gallo. That’s it. Their Salsa Verde in a squeeze bottle is very flavorful, with just enough heat to get your brow to sweat a bit. I’d squeeze a bit on every bite. Tacos Burritos and Quesadillas was there entire menu. May still be. All executed to perfection. It’s worth a trip to the City in and of itself.
RE: lex24 - Mick - 09-06-2020
(09-05-2020, 12:20 PM)lex24 Wrote:(09-04-2020, 06:28 PM)82 Card Wrote:(09-04-2020, 03:23 PM)lex24 Wrote: I’m still grieving from La Taqureria (First St San Jose) closing 10 years ago. Best burritos I’ve ever had. Nothing comes close.
If you are ever in San Francisco, you should drop in at their 2889 Mission St. location. They use the same logo. So I'm assuming you will find the same food. Proclaimed best burrito in the country by Five Thirty Eight. Not the same as having it in the neighborhood but if you're really jonesing, might be worth it. Currently open Wednesday through Sunday for takeout only.
OMG. I’m still drooling. Had no idea they were in SF. THANKS. I take back any bad thing I ever said to you in any other thread..... :)
Good to see 538 agrees with me. Burritos consisted of the meat (skirt steak for Carne Asada) pinto beans and a tremendous and always fresh Pico de Gallo. That’s it. Their Salsa Verde in a squeeze bottle is very flavorful, with just enough heat to get your brow to sweat a bit. I’d squeeze a bit on every bite. Tacos Burritos and Quesadillas was there entire menu. May still be. All executed to perfection. It’s worth a trip to the City in and of itself.
I love a really good burrito. Haven't had one in months.
I like the burritos at La Costena, 235 E. Middlefield in Mt. View (new location, used to be on Old Middlefield and Rengstorff). It is a build-your-own place, great ingredients.
http://costena.com/comment.html
RE: lex24 - 82 Card - 09-06-2020
(09-05-2020, 12:20 PM)lex24 Wrote:(09-04-2020, 06:28 PM)82 Card Wrote:(09-04-2020, 03:23 PM)lex24 Wrote: I’m still grieving from La Taqureria (First St San Jose) closing 10 years ago. Best burritos I’ve ever had. Nothing comes close.
If you are ever in San Francisco, you should drop in at their 2889 Mission St. location. They use the same logo. So I'm assuming you will find the same food. Proclaimed best burrito in the country by Five Thirty Eight. Not the same as having it in the neighborhood but if you're really jonesing, might be worth it. Currently open Wednesday through Sunday for takeout only.
OMG. I’m still drooling. Had no idea they were in SF. THANKS. I take back any bad thing I ever said to you in any other thread..... :)
s consisted of the meat (skirt steak for Carne Asada) pinto beans and a tremendous and always fresh Pico de Gallo. That’s it. Their Salsa Verde in a squeeze bottle is very flavorful, with just enough heat to get your brow to sweat a bit. I’d squeeze a bit on every bite. Tacos Burritos and Quesadillas was there entire menu. May still be. All executed to perfection. It’s worth a trip to the City in and of itself.
It sounds like we are talking about the same place. Simple and so good. I haven't been there since the pandemic but there was a big to do in SFGate when it reopened for takeout. Everything indicates there still operating. If anyone is interested, the Five Thirty Eight burrito tournament from 6 years ago is summarized here: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/americas-best-burrito/
lex24 - lex24 - 09-06-2020
(09-06-2020, 03:02 PM)82 Card Wrote:(09-05-2020, 12:20 PM)lex24 Wrote:(09-04-2020, 06:28 PM)82 Card Wrote:(09-04-2020, 03:23 PM)lex24 Wrote: I’m still grieving from La Taqureria (First St San Jose) closing 10 years ago. Best burritos I’ve ever had. Nothing comes close.
If you are ever in San Francisco, you should drop in at their 2889 Mission St. location. They use the same logo. So I'm assuming you will find the same food. Proclaimed best burrito in the country by Five Thirty Eight. Not the same as having it in the neighborhood but if you're really jonesing, might be worth it. Currently open Wednesday through Sunday for takeout only.
OMG. I’m still drooling. Had no idea they were in SF. THANKS. I take back any bad thing I ever said to you in any other thread..... :)
s consisted of the meat (skirt steak for Carne Asada) pinto beans and a tremendous and always fresh Pico de Gallo. That’s it. Their Salsa Verde in a squeeze bottle is very flavorful, with just enough heat to get your brow to sweat a bit. I’d squeeze a bit on every bite. Tacos Burritos and Quesadillas was there entire menu. May still be. All executed to perfection. It’s worth a trip to the City in and of itself.
It sounds like we are talking about the same place. Simple and so good. I haven't been there since the pandemic but there was a big to do in SFGate when it reopened for takeout. Everything indicates there still operating. If anyone is interested, the Five Thirty Eight burrito tournament from 6 years ago is summarized here: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/americas-best-burrito/
Have to find a time to get to Mission grab a burrito and a quesadilla, find a park bench and mow them down!
RE: lex24 - BostonCard - 09-06-2020
(09-06-2020, 09:15 AM)Mick Wrote: I love a really good burrito. Haven't had one in months.
I like the burritos at La Costena, 235 E. Middlefield in Mt. View (new location, used to be on Old Middlefield and Rengstorff). It is a build-your-own place, great ingredients.
http://costena.com/comment.html
It's now two decades ago that I lived in Mountain View on California off Rengstorff, and I remember the old la Costeña quite well in its old location in the strip mall. I can confirm they were amazing burritos. Glad to hear they are still around.
BC
RE: lex24 - oldalum - 09-07-2020
(09-06-2020, 06:03 PM)BostonCard Wrote: It's now two decades ago that I lived in Mountain View on California off RengstorffYou must have lived in one of those apartment buildings that line California Ave. for that whole long block.
I know that block well: it was my entire afternoon Palo Alto Times paper route in ~1968 -- about 130 papers.
RE: 54% of SF storefront businesses have closed during the pandemic - Mick - 09-07-2020
(09-02-2020, 06:14 PM)BostonCard Wrote: While I have thoughts about wealth inequality and taxes, I think it's far enough removed from COVID-19 that we should probably nip that discussion in the bud.
At least discussions about closing storefronts are directly linked to COVID-19.
FWIW, I saw a lot of "for lease" signs when I went to pick up some coffee on Burlingame Ave. today. I feel awful for the store owners who had to close down, especially the smaller (non-chain) ones. On the other hand, there have long been complaints by business owners about the rents being charged, and maybe seeing the fragility of these business and how easy property owners could see their stream of revenue evaporate might lead them to a new market equilibirum. Those storefronts may take longer than usual to fill up, but they won't be empty forever.
BC
The entire small business dynamic is usually fragile, and the COVID-19 dynamic only made it more so. More than half of SF businesses are boarded up, but Target, WalMart, Costco, etc. survives.
Basically, it's two economies, one for the wealthy with a 30k DJI in reach, and one for the poor, with 30 million or so receiving a government check and brobdingnagian unemployment. COVID-19 and the lockdown exacerbated that problem:
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/07/income-inequality-wealth-gap-409234
Recent economic data and surveys have laid bare the growing divide. Americans saved a stunning $3.2 trillion in July, the same month that more than 1 in 7 households with children told the U.S. Census Bureau they sometimes or often didn’t have enough food. More than a quarter of adults surveyed have reported paying down debt faster than usual, according to a new AP-NORC poll, while the same proportion said they have been unable to make rent or mortgage payments or pay a bill.
And while the employment rate for high-wage workers has almost entirely recovered — by mid-July it was down just 1 percent from January — it remains down 15.4 percent for low-wage workers, according to [url=https://tracktherecovery.org/][color=#007bc7]Harvard’s Opportunity Insights economic tracker.
Trump basically has two hopes to win in November: a miraculous economic "V" shaped turnaround (as I've said for months, it's a "K" shaped curve, with the upper 1/3 doing well and the lower 2/3 hurting) and/or a workable vaccine:
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Trump-fixates-on-the-promise-of-a-vaccine-real-15545751.php
Trump taking credit for stock market success (highly debatable at best) and being absent for its corrections is one thing. He'll try to take credit for urging the vaccine along when he has virtually nothing to do with other than demand it. Which, you know, no other president would do, he might think. Trump does nothing to calm violence, he's trying to fan the flames, thinking it will help him. Biden is trying to be moderate:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-trump-wisconsin-opinion-poll-protests/
And future President Kamala Harris walked back Biden's promise of a nationwide mask mandate to combat COVID-19:
https://news.yahoo.com/kamala-harris-walks-back-bidens-160939746.html
RE: 54% of SF storefront businesses have closed during the pandemic - chrisk - 09-07-2020
(09-07-2020, 08:03 AM)Mick Wrote:(09-02-2020, 06:14 PM)BostonCard Wrote: While I have thoughts about wealth inequality and taxes, I think it's far enough removed from COVID-19 that we should probably nip that discussion in the bud.
At least discussions about closing storefronts are directly linked to COVID-19.
FWIW, I saw a lot of "for lease" signs when I went to pick up some coffee on Burlingame Ave. today. I feel awful for the store owners who had to close down, especially the smaller (non-chain) ones. On the other hand, there have long been complaints by business owners about the rents being charged, and maybe seeing the fragility of these business and how easy property owners could see their stream of revenue evaporate might lead them to a new market equilibirum. Those storefronts may take longer than usual to fill up, but they won't be empty forever.
BC
The entire small business dynamic is usually fragile, and the COVID-19 dynamic only made it more so. More than half of SF businesses are boarded up, but Target, WalMart, Costco, etc. survives.
Basically, it's two economies, one for the wealthy with a 30k DJI in reach, and one for the poor, with 30 million or so receiving a government check and of immense proportions unemployment. COVID-19 and the lockdown exacerbated that problem:
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/07/income-inequality-wealth-gap-409234
Recent economic data and surveys have laid bare the growing divide. Americans saved a stunning $3.2 trillion in July, the same month that more than 1 in 7 households with children told the U.S. Census Bureau they sometimes or often didn’t have enough food. More than a quarter of adults surveyed have reported paying down debt faster than usual, according to a new AP-NORC poll, while the same proportion said they have been unable to make rent or mortgage payments or pay a bill.
And while the employment rate for high-wage workers has almost entirely recovered — by mid-July it was down just 1 percent from January — it remains down 15.4 percent for low-wage workers, according to [url=https://tracktherecovery.org/][color=#007bc7]Harvard’s Opportunity Insights economic tracker.
Trump basically has two hopes to win in November: a miraculous economic "V" shaped turnaround (as I've said for months, it's a "K" shaped curve, with the upper 1/3 doing well and the lower 2/3 hurting) and/or a workable vaccine:
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Trump-fixates-on-the-promise-of-a-vaccine-real-15545751.php
Trump taking credit for stock market success (highly debatable at best) and being absent for its corrections is one thing. He'll try to take credit for urging the vaccine along when he has virtually nothing to do with other than demand it. Which, you know, no other president would do, he might think. Trump does nothing to calm violence, he's trying to fan the flames, thinking it will help him. Biden is trying to be moderate:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-trump-wisconsin-opinion-poll-protests/
And future President Kamala Harris walked back Biden's promise of a nationwide mask mandate to combat COVID-19:
https://news.yahoo.com/kamala-harris-walks-back-bidens-160939746.html
The Biden/Harris mask comments sound like a distinction without a real difference.
RE: 54% of SF storefront businesses have closed during the pandemic - oregontim - 09-07-2020
(09-02-2020, 06:14 PM)BostonCard Wrote: While I have thoughts about wealth inequality and taxes, I think it's far enough removed from COVID-19 that we should probably nip that discussion in the bud.
At least discussions about closing storefronts are directly linked to COVID-19.
BC
Yeah, that was me. My bad. Correction acknowledged.
RE: 54% of SF storefront businesses have closed during the pandemic - Crafter Artisan - 09-07-2020
(09-04-2020, 10:39 AM)cctop Wrote: So what is everyone's favorite place that has closed, possibly permanently?
Mine was Pluto's, a salad-and-sandwich chain in the Bay Area. It was my go-to lunch place, and they had my favorite sandwich in the world (fresh roasted dark turkey meat, cranberry sauce, garlic mayo, and some crispy skin on a ciabatta roll).
Oddly they actually shut down a month or two before the shelter-in-place was announced, so I don't think it was related to Covid. Good timing on their part.
I see that one storefront has re-opened under new management in SF. I'll have to go check it out.
Is this exclusive to the Bay Area or can it be wherever we're currently living?
For me, it's a California Pizza Kitchen, of all things, that was located in Bellevue. I once met Joe Belfiore (an alum of Stanford) there, who's four levels above me in the org chain at Microsoft where I currently work (or rather he was at the time, there's been a recent reorg). Joe Belfiore's boss's boss is the CEO, Satya Nadella.
Last November I went there intending to have dinner only to find out that it had closed three months before. Now the nearest CPK to me is in Oregon somewhere. Blaurgh.
RE: lex24 - BostonCard - 09-07-2020
(09-07-2020, 06:54 AM)oldalum Wrote:(09-06-2020, 06:03 PM)BostonCard Wrote: It's now two decades ago that I lived in Mountain View on California off RengstorffYou must have lived in one of those apartment buildings that line California Ave. for that whole long block.
I know that block well: it was my entire afternoon Palo Alto Times paper route in ~1968 -- about 130 papers.
Yes, I did. I had a one bedroom in a two story low rise apartment with an inside courtyard (with a pool). It probably was unchanged since you delivered papers to it. It's the sort of place that the Bay Area needs more of if we want people at that station of life (newly graduated from college working their first modestly paying job) to be able to afford to live here.
BC
RE: 54% of SF storefront businesses have closed during the pandemic - Mick - 09-08-2020
(09-04-2020, 10:39 AM)cctop Wrote: Mine was Pluto's, a salad-and-sandwich chain in the Bay Area. It was my go-to lunch place, and they had my favorite sandwich in the world (fresh roasted dark turkey meat, cranberry sauce, garlic mayo, and some crispy skin on a ciabatta roll).
Half of my family adored that sandwich...