Here's a brief roundup of recent changes to Lower Nob Hill businesses during shelter-in-place.

Closings

Town Cutler (1005 Bush)

First reported by Tablehopper, custom knife maker and sharpening service Town Cutler has permanently closed its doors.

Galen Garretson, the owner and founder of Town Cutler, told Hoodline he's still making knives and operating the company's Reno-based warehouse. But he says the landlord's demands for full rent upon reopening wouldn't be financially feasible.

Even though Town Cutler received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, the amount wouldn't cover the missed rental payments for the company's SF and Chicago storefronts, both of which are now closed.

"I had been in that location exactly nine years, and our landlord wouldn't accept us not paying rent while we were forced to close," Galen says of the Bush Street shop. "We are taking our business all online."

Locals dealing with diminished blades after months of cooking at home can still find help — Town Cutler is still offering mail-in knife-sharpening services.

Christian Daniels Gallery (950 Leavenworth)

This small Leavenworth Street gallery, which showcased contemporary realism work by Bay Area and California painters, appears permanently closed. There is a for-lease sign in the window. The gallery's website has been taken down, and its phone number is no longer in service.

Re-openings

Stookey's Club Moderne (895 Bush)

Art Deco-style cocktail bar Stookey's has temporarily rebranded as Stookey's Café Moderne. In addition to cocktails to go, the bar is offering simple takeout dinner options, such as chili and potato salad, in accordance with a mandate from Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

Orders can be placed Tuesday through Friday between 4 and 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday between 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Stookey's is also selling spirits and liqueurs by the bottle from its collection.

In addition to working as many hours as they can, the Stookey's team received a PPP loan, as well as an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). General manager Aaron Cole told Hoodline that should keep the bar afloat until next year. 

"We're really not a restaurant, so this is an adjustment," said Cole. "But it doesn't make any sense to just give up."

The Stookey's team hopes to eventually reopen for outdoor service, though a mail relay box and fire hydrant directly in front of the building present a logistical challenge for distancing and allowing foot traffic to pass unimpeded. Cole said they're interested in making use of the space in front of Estela's Donburi, which has closed and is currently for sale.

Fundraisers

Cottage Market (798 Bush)

Many area cafés, bodegas, and markets have remained open throughout shelter-in-place. That includes Cottage Market, which was vandalized in late May. The corner store at Bush and Mason Streets remains open, and a GoFundMe campaign set up to help the shop owner replace the storefront glass has surpassed its goal.

This is Uncle Louie, a Palestinian immigrant, who’s liquor store for 40 years has been robbed by 30+ individuals during the protests in San Francisco. We have a Gofundme to support his business as they took almost everything! Twitter do your thing.https://t.co/Ioc3Rzmwtr pic.twitter.com/ItWbjG63nZ

— Wissam Habr (@WIZZZAM) June 1, 2020

If you've seen something new (or closing) in the neighborhood, 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.