It's the end of an era for sandwich aficionados in San Francisco's Mission District, as Turner's Kitchen has announced it will shut its doors on March 31. The well-regarded spot, known for its inventive and high-quality sandwiches, has been a staple for locals and park visitors, but owner Ken Turner is ready to switch gears. As he noted in an Instagram post, as per Mission Local, "the magic of the space was a reflection of you," paying homage to the community and his staff for the shop's success.
The decision to close wasn't easy for Turner, who has been famously proud of his work ethic, often working upwards of 70 hours a week when combining the shop with private dining and catering. In a move to slow down and pursue other interests, Turner said he wants to "lighten my load." In a candid sharing on Instagram, captured by Turner's Kitchen, he expressed a desire to "get lost in the woods, smell the fckin roses and have a hot girl summer."
Turner's Kitchen, formerly known as Clare’s Deli before Turner took over in 2015, offered a space for innovation in the sandwich game. With everything made in-house and rotating specials that dazzled customers, Turner has been a veritable sandwich maestro, reportedly crafting over 375 sandwiches a year, as told to SFGATE last summer. His creations have ranged from the comfort of a French Dip to inspired fare like roast beef with creamed spinach on a French roll.
After successfully shifting to exclusively takeaway orders during the pandemic and keeping things local and personal by rejecting delivery services, Turner mentioned the bittersweet moment of closure to Mission Local and highlighted the importance of community, even in an increasingly digital world. "The shop really has allowed me to meet people I never would’ve interacted [with otherwise], that was definitely a highlight," he said.
