This is always the section I wish I didn’t have to write. MAGNOLIA BREWING COMPANY (which New Belgium took over in 2018) announced the closure of the Magnolia Dogpatch location on Instagram: “COVID-19 has been a huge challenge for every hospitality business, including ours. When it came time to renew our lease in the Dogpatch, we made the tough decision to refocus our attention solely on Magnolia’s original home in the Haight, which is full of tradition, great beer, and good people. We’ve loved our time in the Dogpatch and will miss our neighbors there, but we’re excited to continue welcoming our entire community at Magnolia Haight.” Sad news, but am thankful Magnolia lives on in its original space (since 1997). This Eater post mentions a plant-based salmon company is moving in. Sigh. So much craft went into the design of that unique space in Dogpatch when Dave McLean opened it as Smokehouse. 2505 3rd St. at 22nd St.
After almost 20 years in North Beach (since 2004!), and close to 11 years in the Mission in the former and forever-beloved Ti Couz space (here’s my original post about the opening in 2011), GIORDANO BROS. closed its doors this past Sunday February 27th. Owners Jeff and Allison Jordan, with Adam DeMezza, left a farewell note on their homepage. Best wishes for their next ventures.
One of the city’s first Thai restaurants, THAILAND RESTAURANT, has closed after nearly 30 years in the neighborhood. “For those still looking to get their Thai food fix in the Castro, [owners] Narongchai and Nopparat Wirattigowit still own and operate Thai Chef, another Thai restaurant just around the corner at 4133 18th St.” [via Hoodline and SFGate]
This isn’t a restaurant closure, but I did want to note that La Cocina’s program director extraordinaire Geetika Agrawal is departing after nine years (since 2013). She has worked with over 70 businesses, and “under her leadership, the number of La Cocina born brick-and-mortar launches grew from two to 33.” What a force. You may have listened to her inspiring episode on my *On the Fly podcast *in the beginning of the pandemic. Geetika, enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Thank you for all your heart, soul, and dedication to so many people and their dreams.
The new booths and banquette seating at Magnolia Dogpatch. Photo: © tablehopper.com.
