SF Biz: 'Kuma Sushi + Sake,' New Nob Hill Bike Shop, 'CaKo' Closes, MorePhoto: Karen P./Yelp
Jessica Park
Published on August 11, 2017

With so many restaurants and businesses coming and going, it can be difficult to keep track of the changes in your neighborhood. With help from our ever-alert tipsters, here's news about several new business opening across multiple neighborhoods, and one closure in Union Square.

North Beach: Giovanni Italian Specialties
629 Union Street (between Columbus Ave. and Stockton St.)

Photo: Albertino M./Hoodline tipline

We kick things off in North Beach with Giovanni Italian Specialties, which is soon opening on Union Street. It's the brainchild of Tony Gemignani, 12-time world pizza champion and owner of Tony's Pizza Napoletana, also situated in North Beach. 

At Gemignani's latest storefront, tipster extraordinaire Al M. told us that the emphasis is on handmade pasta and delicatessen items, including Italian meat, cheese and more. 

"The place is mostly a DIY shop where you buy ingredients to make [Italian dishes]. Hard to get imported Italian goods can be found here [as well]," said Al. 

Mid Market: Dosa Allee
1020 Market Street (at 6th Street)

Photo: Albertino M./Hoodline tipline

Al alerted us that the former space of ShowDogs, an upscale fast-food eatery that specialized in items like hotdogs, sandwiches, salads and more, has been replaced by Dosa Allee.

The spot will reportedly be an Indian restaurant focusing on dishes traditionally found in the Northern and Southern regions. He added that there wasn't an opening date set in stone yet, but a person on site told him that it could be late summer or early fall of this year. 

Financial District: Four Embarcadero Center
4 Embarcadero Center (at Clay Street)

We also heard from Al that JumpStart Md, a medical weight-loss program based in the Bay Area, has opened an office inside the skyscraper. According to its website, it creates personalized weight loss and wellness programs for each person based on the individual's goals and needs. 

Mission/SoMa: Mogador Moroccan Bistro
105 Valencia Street (at McCoppin Street)

Photo: Albertino M./Hoodline tipline

Over on the border of Mission and SoMa, Mogador Moroccan Bistro has taken over the empty storefront at 105 Valencia Street, which used to be home to Wine Not. The previous business specialized in wine and small tapas style plates before it shuttered in 2016. 

Customers who used to frequent Wine Not will see a new space complete with purple draperies, maroon-colored walls and a vintage piano. In addition, "the artworks are told to be worth $10K along with plenty of vintage record players and [a] rotary wooden phone," said Al. 

According to our tipster, the new Morrocan eatery could be open in about two weeks or so. We'll keep you updated as we get closer to the grand opening. 

Polk: Kuma Sushi + Sake
1040 Polk Street (at Post Street)

Photo: Michael C./Hoodline

Tipster Michael C. told us that Kuma Sushi + Sake on Polk Street is currently having a soft opening. According to its website, it's the work of "Ryo Sakai and Cory Jackson, two lifelong friends and chefs, specializing in Japanese cuisine with a shared commitment to high-quality ingredients." 

We originally wrote about the Japanese eatery back in March, but at the time there was no definitive date set for a grand opening. 

Expect to find sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi, starters, salads and small plates on its menu. In addition, Jackson told us in March that he was especially excited about experimenting with anago, also known as saltwater eel.

In addition to the food menu, there is a curated sake list as well as beer and wine available to wash down your meal. (full menu here). 

Nob Hill: Ornot Bike
1248 Mason Street (at Jackson Street)

Photo: Ornot Bike/Facebook

Hoodline tipster Hank H. alerted us to Ornot Bike's store opening today over in Nob Hill. According to the new business, it's a "cycling apparel company devoted to minimal design, domestic manufacturing and having a good time on the bike." 

Ornot Bike sells jerseys, bibs/shorts, outerwear, socks and accessories for both women and men that cost between $15 to $145. Check out its website to find items for purchase. 

Union Square: CaKo
211 O'Farrell Street (at Powell Street)

Lastly, over in Union Square, Al alerted us to CaKo's closure at 221 O'Farrell Street. He told us he saw a sign on the window re-routing customers to its Westfield location. It's open Monday-Friday from 10am to 10pm, Saturday from from 9am to 10pm and Sunday, 10am to 9pm. 

Gotta catch 'em all! #cupcakes #cupcake #cako #sfeats #eeeeeats #sanfrancisco #instafood #instapic #pokemongo #mycupofcako

A post shared by Cako Bakery - #mycupofcako (@cakobakery) on

The custom photo cupcakes company sells mini cupcake, in addition to specialized birthday cupcakes and macarons (full menu here).

See something interesting while you’re out and about? Text Hoodline and we’ll try to learn more: (415) 200-3233.