Iconic Castro 24-hour diner Orphan Andy's (3991 17th Street) has been listed for sale after nearly 50 years of serving the neighborhood.
As the SF Business Times first reported, Orphan Andy's has been listed for $250,000 with a monthly rent of $8,500.
Opened in 1977, Orphan Andy's has been owned and operated by married co-owners Bill Pung and Dennis Zieball for 48 years, but Pung and Zieball now plan to retire.
Orphan Andy's sits at the gateway to the Castro at Jane Warner Plaza, next door to the historic Twin Peaks Bar, and underneath the recently landmarked Rainbow Pride Flag.
Orphan Andy's at 3991 17th St. has been put on the market. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
For decades, the 36-seat Orphan Andy's has served Castro residents and visitors alike, emphasizing its late-night crowd. Orphan Andy's is well-known for its cozy red vinyl booths, counter seating, neon lights, comfort food, and annual holiday decorations.
Pung and Zieball explained the origin of Orphan Andy's in a 2015 Hoodline interview.
As the story goes, while some might guess that Orphan Andy's name is a gay-ish spin on the popular comic strip Little Orphan Annie, Pung explains the personal and historical origins of the name. "Dennis applied for a job at Andy's Donuts, which was then considered the center of the universe," Pung recalled. "He ended up owning it at age 21."
Orphan Andy's co-owners Bill Pung (left) and Dennis Zieball (right). | Photo: Castro CBD/Facebook
Andy's Donuts (now Fratelli Pizza at 460 Castro St.) closed around 1975, but the shop's popularity was so great that Zieball wanted to keep the name. Zieball himself had been an orphan who later found parents through adoption, so "Orphan Andy's" was born.
Now ready for retirement, Pung tells Hoodline they haven't made any plans but joked "we're gonna sleep until 10 a.m."
Pung says they have no major plans, but they expect to stick around San Francisco.
"We'll still live here above the restaurant and figure out the rest once we reorganize our apartment space for the business," added Pung.
Orphan Andy's can be seen to the right (1985). | Photo: Max Kirkeberg/SFSU
According to the listing, the 1,374-square-foot restaurant has a monthly revenue of $165,506 and an annual revenue of approximately $2 million.
"This isn't just a restaurant; it's a cultural landmark, a gathering place where generations of patrons have created lasting memories over delicious, home-style meals," the listing states.
"Whether you're a long-time regular or a first-time guest, the diner's welcoming atmosphere embraces everyone, making it a true San Francisco gem," the listing explains.
Prior to Orphan Andy's, the space was home to Mediterranean restaurant Five Corners Cafe.
Customers inside Orphan Andy's. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Having ended its 24/7 schedule in 2020; Orphan Andy's is open 24 hours Thursday through Sunday.
Zieball tells the SF Chronicle they've already heard from a few interested buyers.
"They plan to keep everything exactly as it is — same name, same employees, everything,” Zieball told the SF Chronicle. “As far as I know, they plan to keep it as Orphan Andy’s.”
