A longtime employee of Castro nightclub The Café (2369 Market Street) has taken over ownership of the bar and dance club.
New co-owners and husbands Louis Caputo and Jeffrey Grannis officially take ownership on April 1.
Caputo has worked at The Café since 1992, starting as a floor person, barback, bartender, and eventually becoming the general manager, a role he's held for over two decades. Caputo and Grannis first met at The Café back in 2007.
"I'm excited to share some big news — after more than 32 years at The Café, I am officially stepping into the role of owner," wrote Caputo in a note posted in the window. "I couldn't be more honored to continue The Café's legacy."
The Cafe has changed ownership. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Caputo and Jeffrey plan to continue the tradition of The Café and "believe deeply in the importance of real-life spaces like The Café — places where people can come together, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories."
Originally opened in 1976 as 'The Café San Marcos,' the club was once accessed through the restaurant space on the ground floor, most recently home to Bisou.
In 1992, the bar was sold to Tom "Tommy Lee" Sherck, who renamed it The Café and ditched the fireplace and carpeting for an expanded dance floor. Sherck then sold The Cafe in 1996 to current owner Pornchai Hutachinda. (Do you know who owned the business from 1976-1992? Let us know in the comments below.)
Letter from new co-owners Louis Caputo and Jeffrey Grannis. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Over the years The Café has been remodeled a handful of times including 2009, when the rear of The Café was expanded all the way out to 17th Street. The expansion included a new ground-floor restaurant space, which is currently occupied by Hulu Wa.
The Café was remodeled again in 2019 with changes made to the layout and restrooms.
Liquor license transfer posted in the window. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
The Café is currently open from Thursday to Saturday. Weekly events include Picante Latin Night, and RuPaul's Drag Race viewing parties.
Asked if The Café would expand its hours or events Grannis stated, "We are still working with staff and partners to organize new events. More will come soon."
Additionally, no major remodeling or upgrades are planned at this time. "We don’t have any big remodels planned, but we will make some internal/external upgrades to enhance the overall experience," explained Grannis.
For years there have been rumors that The Café would expand into the ground-floor space previously occupied by Bisou. However, Grannis said there are no plans to expand. "The Café won’t be taking over the former Bisou space," said Grannis.
Castro Street Fair (1988). | Photo Max Kirkeberg/SFSU
Another ground-floor retail space below The Café once occupied by Subway has sat vacant since bakery Chadwick's closed late last year.
Caputo and Grannis are looking forward to the future and beginning their ownership of The Café.
"We are committed to honoring The Cafe’s nearly 50-year legacy while ushering it into an exciting new era," said Caputo and Grannis. "We aim to reinvigorate the venue with fresh, community-focused events and continue to provide a space where every guest feels welcome, connected, and inspired to dance the night away."
