Just last week, we gave you an update on a few restaurant and bar changes afoot in the FiDi. As it turns out, there's already more news to share with regards to the dynamic neighborhood restaurant scene, including some progress updates on two spots that have been in the works for months, a new opening, and a planned fourth location of a neighborhood chain.
The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen In Build-Out
The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen's build-out is finally in full swing at 799 Battery St., on the ground floor of the Broadway-Sansome Apartments. The area is already a lunchtime destination for northern FiDi workers, thanks to the Off the Grid food trucks at Vallejo and Front streets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. CEO and co-founder Nate Pollak hopes the third location of his restaurant (the others are in SoMa and the Mission) will provide an option to fill in those gaps.
The B.E.L.T. Sandwich (the “e” is for egg). (Photo: Abel Lin/Caviar)
Pollak had originally hoped to open the Battery location by spring, but eventually was pushed back to September. Since then, his timetable has shifted again, and he now expects to welcome customers by December. He said that delays in getting construction permits—a familiar tale for anyone opening a business in the city these days—are to blame for the setback. Follow the Grilled Cheese Kitchen's Facebook page for photos of construction and updates.
Asha Tea House Opens
On Thursday, Asha Tea House softly opened its second location—and first in the city—at 17 Kearny St. (The original opened in Berkeley in 2012.) Founder David Lau and his wife/co-owner/creative director Diana Lui sell artisan teas sourced directly from growers in China, India, Japan and Taiwan.
Asha's hours will be 11:30am–6:30pm Monday–Friday, except for Oct. 6th and 15th, when it'll be closed for private parties. Starting this weekend, it'll also be open on Saturdays from 10:30am–5:30pm. For more details on Asha, check out our story from April.
The future Jimmy John's at 120 Pine St.
Jimmy John's Opening Second SF Spot
Buildout is underway for Jimmy John's, the Illinois-based sub and club sandwich chain, which will open its second San Francisco outlet at 120 Pine St. in the next few weeks. The chain's only other SF location is six blocks away, in the Crocker Galleria, but it boasts more than 2,000 locations nationwide. (Also of note: owner Jimmy John Liautaud has recently been enmeshed in controversy over allegations of big-game hunting.)
La Fromagerie Opening Soon
La Fromagerie, the Dogpatch's French-themed cheese shop and deli, had originally hoped to open its second location in July at 101 Montgomery St. After a few delays, it should be open within the next two weeks. "It's always a question of the final inspection from the building department," said co-owner Ruben Donze.
In addition to a wide selection of cheeses for retail sale, look for grilled-cheese sandwiches, salads and other lunch items. The owners also have applied for a beer and wine license. Hours will be Monday-Friday, 11am–7pm.
Proper Food About To Open Third Downtown Location, Plans Fourth
Proper Food, the grab-and-go breakfast and lunch spot, already has two FiDi/SoMa locations at 116 Montgomery St. and 100 First St., as well as a third in the works at 350 California St. that's expected to open this week, pending—you guessed it—final city inspections. Proper Food has also applied for building permits for a fourth outpost, at One Market St. There's no word as of yet on when that location is set to arrive.
Curious about the progress of an upcoming FiDi restaurant or bar? Send us a tip and we'll investigate.
