I originally wrote this last week and posted it on social media since I was dark for the week, but to recap, here’s the unfortunate news (along with some other sad news):
I am really unhappy to report on the closure of one of my favorite places in SF: ~MERIGAN SUB SHOP~ closed at the end of service on Saturday October 8th, after almost three years of business in SoMa. I don’t like to think about an SF without the terrina sub, let alone a Giants game without one.
Owner Liza Shaw is heartbroken to close the shop, after so much hard work, but she said it just didn’t work out. She said she could blame a lot of things, from the cost of food to the labor shortage. Even though the shop was near the ballpark, it’s seasonal business, and it’s a bit of an odd neighborhood (a bit too far for some to visit). She didn’t want to cut corners either—her whole animal butchery program and using only quality products were too important to her.
There is a buyer for the space (to be announced soon), so she’s going to let it go. Shaw plans to take a much-needed break and will be doing some travel, plus consulting on some projects in the near future.
Thanks for all the excellent Italian combos and eggplant Parms with a burrata supplement, damn! Best to you, Liza. Thanks for all the subs made with so much care and love!
Another SoMa sub shop closure: Adam Mesnick has decided not to renew his lease for RYE PROJECT (180 7th St.) and closed the shop. Eater says Mesnick’s other sandwich shop, Deli Board at 1058 Folsom St., will be taking on some of Rye Project’s Jewish dishes, and he has extended its hours to include Sun 11am-3pm.
More disheartening closures in SoMa: SFGate reports that both ~CITIZEN’S BAND~ and PINKIE’S BAKERY have closed (damn it, no more of Chris Beerman’s amazing burger, and Pinkie’s made the bread for Merigan, so it’s all just sad). Multiple reasons were cited, from tech company dining rooms snatching diners with free meals to the high cost of doing business in SF. Fortunately, Pinkie’s will continue on with its location in Bernal.
My friends at the Marina Times (where I write a monthly tablehopper column) tipped me off that the LIL’ MAMA’S project, the spin-off of the popular Mama’s that was trying to open in the vacant Piazza Market, won’t be happening. Scoop followed up on the tip, confirming that the Sanchez family decided to look for a location elsewhere in the city—the endless red tape and costs of opening in this location ultimately weren’t worth it. Cole Hardware is now going to be taking over the space. 627 Vallejo St. at Columbus.
The roast beef sandwich at Merigan. Photo: Dana Eastland. © tablehopper.com.
