Tuesday Castro Business Briefs

Tuesday Castro Business BriefsPhoto: Alejandro Giacometti/Flickr
Roy
Published on October 07, 2014
Let's round up some of the Castro's latest business and real estate news, shall we?

Slurp Noodle Bar
As we reported last month, Fork Cafe  (444 Castro Street) closed down temporarily to switch formats, and it looks like Slurp Noodle, the new incarnation, has soft-opened last week. We went in and spoke with the manager, who told us that the space is still soft-opened and should have its grand opening next week when the signage comes in. Though it's too soon to know for sure, early reviews have been positive. 

Oz Pizza
We also reported last month that Escape From New York Pizza was leaving the Castro. The chain closed up their Castro location in part so they could avoid hitting the one hundred employee mark which would require them to provide health insurance for all of their employees under the Affordable Care Act's Employer Mandate going into effect in 2015. However, all is not lost for pizza lovers on the 500 block of Castro. Oz Pizza has moved in to replace EFNY, and soft-opened last week as well. We spoke with the manager who let us know that the slice shop will be holding its official grand opening next week and will be offering its selection of beer on tap for $1.50 a pint to celebrate.

Real Estate Brokerage
The Castro is filling a vacancy on the 2300 block of Market Street. The old Wicked Scents candle shop at 2324 Market Street will see a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices real estate brokerage location opening in December. With all the development happening in the Castro—including building permits filed for construction at 2198 Market and 376 Castro Street—it's plain to see why the Castro is getting another new real estate office.

Blue Restaurant
We've received a lot of questions about the old Blue Restaurant location that has stood vacant for a while now. The wraps are off the windows and it appears there is a fresh coat of paint on the walls, leading many to believe the space has found a tenant. However, the space is still available for lease on Loopnet. For now, the space remains dark, but we'll let you know when that changes.

Caffeine the horizon
Preparations are still underway for the espresso bar and candy shop going into the ICON building at 2299 Market Street. Construction crews are also still working on Weavers Coffee and Tea located under Fitness SF, and on Hearth Coffee Roasters on 17th at Castro. Hearth Coffee Roasters is targeting an October grand opening, so time will tell whether they will beat Weaver's to the scene in the Castro coffee wars.

We'll continue to keep our eye out for new and changing biz in the Castro, and as always, will keep you updated.