Here's a brief roundup of recent changes to Castro area businesses. In this edition, a mysterious pottery studio has a name, two new businesses have opened, another sets a closing date, and a restaurant expands its menu.
Flux Pottery Studio (2285 Market Street)
The mysterious pottery studio moving into the former Harvest Ranch Market space finally has a name.
Flux Pottery Studio recently installed a banner on the storefront announcing it will open in Fall 2026.
As Hoodline reported last year, the pottery studio will take over the former grocery store space that has remained vacant since 2018.
Castro pottery studio Flux opens this fall at 2283 Market St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
"We’ve been quietly shaping something special… and we can’t wait to share it with you," wrote Flux on Instagram. "A new space for clay, community, and creative energy is on its way to the Castro. Stay tuned — Flux is coming."
Construction and planning have been ongoing for well over a year. Construction costs are estimated at $60,000.
Flux is currently hiring shop instructors and technicians.
The Nailstation has opened at 2109 Market St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
The Nailstation (2109 Market Street)
A new nail salon has opened in the Castro.
The Nailstation recently opened at 2109 Market St. (at Church) in the former fitness studio The Boombox space.
The Boombox closed in 2021 and has remained vacant.
Dolma will close at the end of September. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Dolma (530 Castro Street)
Nearly a year after announcing its closure, Himalayan gifts and handicrafts shop Dolma will officially close at the end of September.
Hoodline originally reported the store's closure in November 2025, but an official closing date was not shared at that time.
According to a sign in the window, customers can take advantage of a closing sale. The sign also counts down the number of days Dolma has left in the Castro.
Real Estate Office (2323 Market Street)
A new real estate office has opened at 2323 Market St., formerly Loom + Ten Art Gallery.
Hoodline readers will recall Loom + Ten closed after only 9 months in the Castro. Gallery owner Adam Royston shuttered the studio due to maintenance issues, along with artists claiming they were not paid.
A new real estate office has opened at 2323 Market St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Before that, the space was briefly home to concept boutique Mikroblack. Mikroblack closed in 2023 after just a year in the Castro.
2323 Market St. was once the longtime home of D&H Jewelers. After 12 years in the Castro, D&H moved to its current location at 196 Valencia (at Duboce).
Hot Johnnie's has expanded its menu. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Hot Johnnie's (4077 18th Street)
Castro pastrami shop Hot Johnnie's has expanded its menu to include items from sister restaurant Sangria & Salt.
Hot Johnnie's owner Jonathan Young opened Mission District Caribbean restaurant Sangria & Salt last year in the former Cha Cha Cha space.
Now fans of Sangria & Salt can get select menu items in the Castro.
