Il Massimo Del Panino restaurant at 441 Washington St. is temporarily closed to the public, though it's still offering delivery service while it looks for a new location.
The reason for the potential move is a familiar one: "The building was sold and the new owner, unfortunately, tripled our rent," said Elena Tchernoivanova, the manager who's listed as the company's vice president on the beer and wine license. "We're negotiating. We might stay here. We have another week." She said they hope to come up with "the right price," but if not, they're looking to move.
A representative for the property owner disputes Il Massimo's account. "What they’re saying is just not true. They’re at under $1 a square foot if you take into account all of the property expenses." She added that Il Massimo hasn't paid rent for about three months, and their lease is up at the end of this month. Because market-rate rents are considerably higher in the FiDi, she said, "all we’re trying to do is bring it somewhat close to market."
The FiDi breakfast and lunch spot, which has been in business for 17 years, is a favorite of residents at the nearby Gateway Apartments & Townhomes; for at least two years, a group of them has hosted a weekly coffee get-together there. Area workers came for salads, panini and hot food to take away or eat in the generously sized dining room, which is something of a rarity in the neighborhood. (A sister Il Massimo at 5 Embarcadero Center closed four years ago, and is now a Philz Coffee.)
Upon hearing of the closure, "we were grief-stricken, really, because they have been such welcoming hosts," said Helen Johnson, a member of the coffee group. "We've been going there with great regularity every Monday. They treat us as very special guests."
The group was also saddened to hear of the recent death of owner Jeff Krochik. Tchernoivanova asked us to tell the group hi from her. "I miss them and I love them."
The cozy fireplace area at Il Massimo. (Photo: Asiandiva A./Yelp)
According to an application for a preliminary project assessment filed with SF Planning, the building is owned by Peninsular Realty LLC, which is interested in building a hotel on the site. Initial plans called for a 200-foot tower, but Planning later asked for significant changes to the design—most notably, cutting the building's height by at least half. Planning spokesperson Gina Simi said the application hasn't been completed.
We reached out to the applicant, architect Michael Stanton, and also to Jay Singh and Tri Vu with Paradigm Hotel Group, who are listed on the application. Stanton replied via email: "The hotel development at 439 Washington Street is being actively pursued. The required technical studies are being contracted for. There is an appointment next week for the next submittal to the Department of City Planning in the approval process."
