Here's a brief roundup of recent changes to Castro area businesses. In this edition, a new romance bookstore, dog grooming business, and campaign office open, while a cafe expands its hours and menu.
Love Potion Library (284 Noe Street)
Castro bookstore, tea room, and wine bar, Love Potion Library is now open in the space that was formerly home to Jeffrey's Natural Pet Foods.
The Love Potion Library offers customers a quiet space to read and discuss books, with an emphasis on romance novels.
Love Potion Library owner Veena Patel (left) outside the new romance bookstore at 284 Noe St. | Photo courtesy of Love Potion Library
"It's both a relief to finally be open, but also so many nerves with hoping people love the space and want to come back," said Love Potion Library owner Veena Patel.
Customers can sign up for Love Potion's book club, sample wine, and participate in events like speed-dating. A Heated Rivarly trivia night has already sold out.
Patel tells Hoodline that they are still awaiting approvals for their liquor license.
Pawpitos (2264 Market Street)
The Castro's newest dog grooming and pet spa Pawpitos is now open.
As Hoodline previously reported, Pawpitos opened at 2264 Market Street, formerly Right Style Salon & Barber.
Pawpitos is now open at 2264 Market St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Pawpitos is owned by Luis Benitez, who also owns Castro Barber Lounge.
Dog owners can bring in their furry friends for full-service bathing, haircuts, colors, and nail trimming. Pawpitos also offers a small selection of pet supplies.
First-time customers can get 20% off dog grooming.
Parasol (2298 Market Street)
After softly opening in March, Parasol at Cafe Flore has expanded its operating hours and is now serving during evening hours.
Parasol is now open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Parasol at Flore has expanded its hours. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Customers can enjoy coffee, pastries, and lunch during the day. Parasol will offer happy hour from Wednesday to Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and bar bites and drinks in the evening.
Menu options include a variety of pastries ($4-7.50), olive medley ($7), burrata ($17), Parasol Caesar ($16), chicken sandwich ($17), and a hamburger ($18).
Parasol's expanded menu options. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Parasol has reactivated the longtime home of the historic former Cafe Flore space. The space was briefly occupied by seafood restaurant Fisch & Flore, which closed after one year.
Saikat Chakrabarti Campaign HQ (582 Castro Street)
US House of Representatives candidate Saikat Chakrabarti has opened his campaign headquarters at 582 Castro Streeet.
Chakrabarti opened the office last week with a campaign event. The space was previously occupied by the real estate office of Engel & Völkers.
Saikat Chakrabarti opened his campaign office at 582 Castro St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Chakrabarti is running against State Senator Scott Wiener, District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, and Marie Hurabiell to replace the retiring Congresswoman and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
