Bad news for sake fans.
A neighborhood sake bar was planned for the ground floor of 8 Octavia, on the corner of Octavia Boulevard and Market Street, but, according to tipster Andrew D., a "For Lease" sign is now up instead.
As we reported in 2015, local sake enthusiast Beau Timken had big plans for True Cup, an "experimental Western" sake bar with food, beer and a curated sake selection. But after a long delay, his latest project has now come to a standstill, with the space for lease and website no longer registered.
Neighbors may know Timken from shopping at his store, True Sake, on 560 Hayes St., open since since 2003.
When we reached out to Timken to ask for more details, he did not reveal details on the record at press time.
Two years ago, Timken teamed up with business partner Stephen King and Michael Black (Sebo) to bring their Japanese rice wine knowledge to Octavia Boulevard. Black was set to design the bar menu.
The trio were planning to open mid-summer 2015, along with another retail space on the same block. Plans for that complementary space included sake-themed ceramics, accessories, as well as sake-based makeup.
When we reached out to the True Cup owners early last year, they told us that True Cup was still on track and that they were shooting for an opening in March 2016.
But that never happened.
The liquor license is currently still tied to Go Sake Ventures II LLC at 8 Octavia Street; its status pending.
A representative for DDG—the investment and real estate company behind 8 Octavia Boulevard—told us that the space was sold to Strategic Realty Trust, which now manages the property.
According to a LoopNet listing, the 19,300-sq.-ft. space is now available and open since June, with a negotiable rental rate. Features include high ceilings, the corner location, signage possibility, a vent in place, as well as infrastructure ready for a restaurant.
See something interesting while you’re out and about? Text Hoodline and we’ll see what we can find out: (415) 200-3233.
