SF Eats: Bi-Rite Creamery sets reopening date, Blondie's Pizza returns under new name & owner, more

SF Eats: Bi-Rite Creamery sets reopening date, Blondie's Pizza returns under new name & owner, morePhoto: Wendy C./Yelp
Alisa Scerrato
Published on May 24, 2019

In this edition: a departed Union Square pizzeria gets revived under a new name and owner; Bi-Rite's Mission creamery sets a post-retrofit return date; and a new eatery sets its sights on SoMa.

Openings

Union Square

Abe’s Pizza (940 Market St.)

Photo: Allie Pape/Hoodline

Many Union Square regulars lamented the departure of Powell Street's Blondie's Pizza, which shuttered in 2016. But there's good news: a longtime staffer has revived it around the corner at 940 Market St. (at Mason), serving the same pies under the name Abe's Pizza.

Owner Abe Zal worked at Blondie’s for 25 years. Three years ago, he purchased the original Blondie's location in Berkeley (2340 Telegraph Ave.), which is also now operating under the Abe's moniker. As a sign on the new SF location sums it up: “same pizza, same staff, new name.”

It's worth noting that the Powell Street location of Blondie's had its health permit yanked about a month before its closure, "due to identified existence of imminent health hazards" and/or "serious or repeated violations or interference." But Zal says it was a rent increase that ultimately did the original location in. 

Now that he's returned to the neighborhood, he says former Blondie's regulars have been stopping in once again for the pizzeria's best seller: a beef pepperoni slice.   

“We have been happy with the results of returning customers who missed our pizza in the city,” he said.

Mission

Bi-Rite Creamery (3692 18th St.)

Photo: Peter H./Yelp

After a three-month closure for a seismic retrofit and renovation, the Mission's popular Bi-Rite Creamery has announced that it will reopen next Saturday, June 1.

During the closure, Bi-Rite has relied on an ice cream truck parked in front of its building, serving a limited selection of pre-packed cups and ice cream sandwiches. Now, Dolores Park patrons will be able to enjoy sundaes and cones once again, along with an updated interior and exterior and a fresh splash of paint. 

To celebrate the reopening, Bi-Rite will throw a weekend celebration from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. next Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2. 5% of all proceeds from both days will benefit neighboring Mission High School's urban agriculture program.

On Saturday, visitors can enjoy their cones in a temporary outdoor parklet set up for the day outside the shop. Come Sunday, the first 100 guests at the store will be given a free ice cream treat. 

For more about Bi-Rite's reopening (and new flavors and menu items), follow the creamery's Facebook page

SoMa

Gaslamp Café (1599 Howard St.)

Photo: Carrie Sisto/Hoodline

Hoodline contributor Carrie Sisto spotted a notice for a liquor license transfer application at the former Gaslamp Café space at 12th and Howard streets, which has been vacant for the past few months. 

New owner Andy Nguyen confirmed that he intends to open a restaurant at the address, but declined to offer more details. However, he is planning to take over Gaslamp's license to serve beer and wine. We'll update readers as we learn more. 


Seen something new in the neighborhood — or a longtime spot that's shut down? Text your tips and photos to (415) 200-3233, or email [email protected]. If we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit.