The owners of Castro nightclub The Café are set to open a restaurant and bar in the long-vacant ground-floor space at 2367 Market Street.
Bite Bar will open soon in the space long ago occupied by French restaurant Bisou. Bisou closed in 2018, and the space has remained vacant ever since.
Louis Caputo and Jeffrey Grannis, the married couple who took over The Café last year, tell Hoodline they plan to open Bite Bar by May.
On Monday, a liquor license transfer notice and a note from Caputo and Grannis were posted in the window.
Bite Bar will open at 22367 Market St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
"Last year, we bought The Café, and over the past year, we’ve worked hard to make improvements that we hope the community has enjoyed. Based on the positive feedback and the growth we’ve seen, it feels like those efforts have been well received, which means a lot to us," wrote Caputo and Grannis in a joint statement.
According to Caputo and Grannis, "Bite Bar will be a small-plates bar and restaurant, featuring food and drinks inspired by our family’s diverse cultural background."
"The goal is to create a welcoming space where people can gather for delicious food, engaging conversation, and a fun night out," they added.
A letter from Bite Bar's owners and a liquor license transfer have been posted in the window. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
While details on the concept and menu are limited, Caputo and Grannis did share that they will "include health-conscious options alongside some indulgent favorites, including a family cheesecake recipe that has been getting rave reviews from friends/family for years."
Update 11:30 am: After publication, Grannis provided additional details in general about the concept and menu. "The concept reflects Louis’ upbringing, influenced by his Asian mother and Italian grandmother, as well as the many cultures experienced through our diverse group of friends and extended family over the years," said Grannis. "That influence goes beyond the menu, shaping the overall space and experience. Bite Bar celebrates a blend of flavors, cultures, and shared moments, reflecting Louis’ own background and perspective."
For years, rumors (and filed permits) have swirled that The Café would expand into the ground-floor space previously occupied by Bisou. Last year, Grannis told Hoodline they had no plans to expand. "The Café won’t be taking over the former Bisou space," he said at the time. However, those plans have now changed.
Update: Grannis asked to clarify that while they are taking over the former Bisou space, it is not an expansion of The Café. "They are completely separate entities, businesses, and hold different liquor licenses. That distinction is important to us," explained Grannis. "However, since we operate both, there will naturally be some overlap, such as cross-promotion or guests moving between the two venues during a night."
The couple say they hope to capitalize on the recently reopened Castro Theatre by offering an additional pre-drinks and meal option for concert and event attendees.
"Just like with The Café, we care deeply about this neighborhood and the Castro community," they said. "Our goal is to create something fun, welcoming, and accessible, while keeping prices as affordable as possible without sacrificing quality."
Inside the former Bisou space (2018). | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Bite Bar will also offer brunch, drag bingo, Heated Rivarly and Drag Race watch parties, and more "surprises" to be announced.
Construction crews have been seen inside the space in recent months, demolishing the former Bisou.
Public records indicate Caputo and Grannis have recommenced work that was approved under a 2019 permit. The permit was previously issued to the former Café owner, Porchai Hutachinda.
Plans include relocating an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) bathroom and bar area, enlarging the mezzanine, removing a spiral staircase, and installing a new staircase. Construction costs are estimated at $105,000.
Construction work is currently underway inside 2367 Market St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Caputo and Grannis have applied to transfer a long-dormant liquor license at the space from Porchai and Suchitra Hutachinda. Bisou's liquor license was transferred years ago to Mission District queer bar Jolene's.
Castro residents will recall that before Bisou, the space was formerly occupied by Panam and Frisee.
Bite Bar's opening follows a string of new businesses taking over vacant spaces, including Nova and Parasol.
