After 50+ Years, Castro Corner Store Buffalo Whole Food Announces Closure [UPDATED]

After more than 50 years in the Castro, corner store Buffalo Whole Food & Grain Co. (598 Castro Street) will shutter next week.

Buffalo Whole Food shared the news on multiple signs posted in the storefront's window.

Hoodline contacted Buffalo Whole Food but did not receive a response. The store is co-owned by brothers Said and Hisham Bsisso. An exact closing date has not been announced.

Buffalo Whole Food has announced its closure. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

The Bsisso brothers are the sons of Sami Bsisso, longtime owner of Noe Hill Market, one block away at 19th and Noe. Sami Bsisso passed away from COVID in 2021. Said and Hisham Bsisso took over the family business in the wake of their father's death.

Just a day before Sami's passing in 2021, the family finalized the purchase of Buffalo Whole Food & Grain Co.

In May, Noe Hill Market was sold to new owners, and the family appears to be getting out of the corner store business altogether. Public records indicate the new owners of Noe Hill Market are Juni Karki and Yam Kunwar.

Earlier this year, Buffalo Whole Food launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset some of the costs associated with running the business. As of publication, the campaign has raised $2,480 of a $6,500 goal.

Signs in the window announce the store's closure. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

According to the fundraising campaign, Buffalo Whole Food has faced some financial struggles, including a temporary closure from July 2024 through December 2024 to undergo a soft-story retrofit.

"During that difficult time, they suffered significant inventory losses and had to cover ongoing expenses with little to no income," explains Buffalo Whole Food.

"Your support will allow the store to restock its shelves with essential groceries, catch up on costs from the months it was closed, and secure a lease renewal so it can remain in this location," added Buffalo Whole Food.

The text on the campaign indicates that the store was attempting to negotiate a new lease for the store.

Inside Buffalo Whole Foods. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

Despite being in the neighborhood for over half a century, Buffalo Whole Food is not registered as a San Francisco Legacy Business.

A mural on the 19th Street side of the building titled "Laughing Gorilla" was restored in 2019. Artist David Seibold painted the mural following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Customers who wish to say goodbye are encouraged to visit the store. Items in the store are marked down 40%.

An active listing indicates the approximately 1,028-square-foot space is currently for lease. A new tenant has not been announced.

Update 7/31:

Former employee John Dennis tells Hoodline that Buffalo Whole Food was founded by Rob Mitchell.

Dennis worked at Buffalo Whole Food for over ten years during the 80s and 90s, first as a produce manager at Mitchell's Nob Hill store and then at the Castro store until 1998.

"Seeing this posting brings back many happy thoughts of friends, coworkers, and customers, and reminds me what an important part of San Francisco’s Queer history for over 50 years," said Dennis.

Buffalo Whole Food at 598 Castro St. (May 1994) | Photo: Max Kirkeberg/SFSU

 

Recalling the store's history, Dennis said, "My recollection is that Rob started the store on Hyde Street in the 1970s as a queer-owned, western-themed natural food store."

Dennis was unsure if the store started on Polk Street or Hyde St. "When I moved to SF in 1978, it was on Hyde St at California."

"The store was a community hub with great camaraderie amongst the staff," added Dennis.

"Laughing Gorilla" mural along 19th St. shortly after it was installed. (December 1991) | Photo: Max Kirkeberg/SFSU

 

"One day Rob came to the store to announce that he had just bought a second store on Castro Street, and the rest is history," recalls Dennis.

"I remember feeling very welcomed by the Castro community from the time we opened and enjoyed working at Buffalo for over ten years.

After selling the store to Sami Bsisso in 2021, Rob stayed on as a consultant.

Prior to Buffalo Whole Food, the storefront was home to Modern Cleaners. (April 1975) | Photo: Max Kirkeberg/SFSU

 

"Now I hear the store’s closing. It’s hard to believe that so much time’s gone by, but it’s nice to have so many fun memories of this place and time in SF," said Dennis."

"Thanks Rob for having the vision to create Buffalo Foods," added Dennis.