Here's a brief roundup of recent changes to Castro area businesses. In this edition, a Chinese restaurant has closed, and a matcha shop, Japanese hot pot restaurant, and dental office have opened.
Joyful Garden (438A Castro Street)
After less than a year in the Castro, Chinese restaurant Joyful Garden has permanently closed.
The restaurant opened last March, in the second-floor space above Castro bar 440, previously Thailand Restaurant.
A sign posted in the window indicates Joyful Garden closed on February 1.
Joyful Garden is now closed. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
"We sincerely appreciate. your support and patronage over the years," the sign reads. "Due to operational challenges, we have made the difficult decision to cease operations effective February 1, 2025."
When the restaurant first opened, only takeout and delivery were available.
Notice posted at Joyful Garden. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Manager Gigi Zheng told Hoodline that the city would not allow Joyful Garden to use its dining room due to Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility issues caused by the staircase leading up to the second-floor restaurant.
A notice dated February 20 posted on the door indicates that Joyful Garden has not paid its rent for two weeks. Landlord Matthew Binczek gave Joyful Garden until March 11 to respond to the notice.
"The real property will be deemed abandoned...and your lease will terminate on March 11, 2025," states Binczek.
Oishii Matcha (2299 Market Street)
Photo: Christopher V./Hoodline
Organic ceremonial matcha shop Oishii Matcha is now open at 2299 Market Street, formerly Ritual Coffee.
As Hoodline previously reported, Oishii Matcha is taking over a space that has been vacant since Ritual closed in 2020.
Oishii Matcha offers a wide selection of matcha lattes, hojicha, sodas, teas, soft serve and ice cream, boba sundaes, "croffles," and coffee.
Potto (290 Sanchez St.)
Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Japanese hot pot restaurant Potto is now open at 290 Sanchez Street.
The restaurant opened earlier this month in the space previously occupied by the Chinese restaurant Makli.
The menu consists of a selection of nabe or one-pot items, including Sukiyaki (American wagyu), Kyushu (hamachi and snow crab), Buta (pork belly), and Yasai (tofu).
Sage Dental Care (595 Castro Street)
Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Sage Dental Care is now open at 595 Castro. Street, formerly One Medical.
Amazon-owned One Medical closed its Castro Street offices last year after opening at a larger location at 2355 Market Street.
As Hoodline previously reported, Sage Dental is owned by Dr. Travis Smith.
Sage Dental offers general dentistry services, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, veneers, whitening, and more.
