San Francisco's landscape of indulgent eats is about to witness a shift as Gram Cafe & Pancakes, renowned for their Japanese souffle pancakes, prepares to close its doors at the Stonestown Galleria by the month's end. Since opening in 2019, the cafe has become a magnet for those seeking its unique, airy treat and expanded its U.S. presence to Los Angeles just last year. The San Francisco Chronicle reported the upcoming closure, noting Gram's intent to leave the city after Aug. 27.
Despite bidding farewell to its current home, the cafe's owner, Dorothy Tso, is optimistic about Gram's future in the Bay Area. In a move searching for new opportunities, she's exploring potential venues in the South Bay and hasn't ruled out San Francisco for a re-emergence in early 2025. Tso unfolds a vision for the new location, teasing an expanded menu to retain the legendary pancakes in favored flavors and introduce more beverage and gelato options to suit the South Bay's climatic demands. This strategic transition comes in response to a series of challenges, including enduring high rent, pandemic-induced reduced foot traffic, and at least four theft incidents, Tso told The San Francisco Chronicle.
Commensurate with their social media strategy, Gram Cafe & Pancakes reached out to their customer base via Instagram to express their appreciation for years of support and to assure fans that while one chapter may be closing, a fresh beginning is on the horizon. "Although it’s bittersweet to close this chapter, we are looking forward to welcoming you to our new location, which we will announce soon", the post stated. It further directed patrons to stay updated through their channels and suggested their Los Angeles outlet for continued patronage. The team signed off with gratitude, acknowledging the community's role in their story, as detailed in their Instagram post.
