Just after today's rain broke, we took a stroll around the Inner Sunset to see what's new on the local business scene. Here's what we learned.
The opening of Poki Time restaurant (549 Irving St.) was scheduled for February 15th, but the owners posted a message on Facebook saying that opening day would be temporary delayed. Several days ago, a "help wanted" sign appeared in the window. Interested parties should contact them via email to apply.
With its focus on fresh fish and vegetables, Poki Time hopes to break the curse that's created so much turnover in that space over the past few years. The last tenant, Blanc Cafe, opened in May 2015 and closed in December; before that, Mellow Mellow Cafe held the spot for 18 months, and Rose Tea, an Armenian tea lounge/flower shop, was the tenant for three years before that.
Still no signs of life at Tea4You, which filed permits last year to move into 646 Irving. The same goes for 839 Irving, where a "coming something sweet" sign has been posted in the window for the past several months, to no avail. We'll continue to watch both spaces for new developments.
There is some news about the space formerly occupied by Man Hing Market at 1368 9th Avenue: SF Planning has approved a change-of-use application to turn the vacant storefront into a restaurant. Late last month, the owners of Sunflower Garden Restaurant filed a fictitious business name, the first step in opening a new business. Although the interior's been cleared out, planned work on the entrance to bring it into ADA compliance has yet to commence.
Photo: John L./Yelp
Over in Cole Valley, popular bar Finnegan's Wake closed for renovations on February 8th, so new flooring could be installed. According to a recent post on Facebook, the bar will return March 11th, but that day can't come soon enough for some loyal patrons, who have been expressing an eagerness to reclaim their barstools on social media.
In the past several years, several of Finnegans' neighbors on west side of Cole between Parnassus and Carl, including Zazie, Bambino's Ristorante, and Grandeyho's Kamekyo Sushi, have all had to close to tear out water-damaged flooring. According to one business owner we spoke to, a creek that reportedly runs beneath the business district has caused extensive water damage over the years.
Have you come across any interesting business news in the neighborhood? Send us a tip!
