Fast-casual restaurant chain Lemonade has formally applied for a formula retail permit that would allow the company to take over 1266 9th Ave., the former home of cafe La Boulange de Sunset. Because the eatery is part of a chain that has more than 11 locations, it must first obtain approval from SF Planning before plans can move forward.

In a meeting last month, representatives from Lemonade invited residents on-site to learn about the chain, which offers a seasonal menu suitable for customers seeking health (kale and quinoa) or comfort (mac 'n' cheese). Attendees had an opportunity to taste food prepared by the company's founder, chef Alan Jackson, who started the firm with his wife in 2008.

Lemonade founder Chef Alan Jackson. (Jonathan Gerfen/Hoodline)

Lemonade's growth in SoCal has led the company to the Bay Area, where aggressive expansion plans call for setting up new locations, six of which were formerly home to La Boulange. With 5,640 square feet, plus sidewalk frontage for al fresco diners, the space Lemonade hopes to occupy is one of the largest restaurants in the Inner Sunset.

Lemonade's reception has been more sweet than sour, but Inner Sunset residents are typically frosty to chain retailers. After a Burger King opened at 1325 9th Ave. in 1997, vandals splattered paint on windows, hurled glass bottles into the store and allegedly left racist flyers targeted at its Asian owner. A Blockbuster Video proposed for Irving & 9th was successfully blocked by neighbors.

Last June, a Quickly Tea that opened without obtaining a required conditional use permit was quickly fined and closed by the Planning Department. The shop reopened soon after with a new name and signage, but it's yet to attract a sizable clientele; there's rarely more than one customer inside the store at a time.

Lemonade's Hawaiian ahi poke. (via Facebook)

At Lemonade's open house, and in online discussions, neighbors showed interest in the restaurant's fare, but others expressed concerns about litter, the location's financial viability and whether it fit in with neighborhood character.

Lemonade's permit indicates that the company is working with Freebairn-Smoth & Crane, an SF-based architectural firm whose client portfolio includes Crocker Galleria, the Clift Hotel and Ghiradelli Square.

According to Lemonade's reps, the restaurant will start serving customers before the end of the year, assuming the permitting process moves forward as expected. We'll let you know what happens when the Planning Commission brings the matter up for a vote.