January is here, and, sadly, that means some closures to report. ~CAFÉ DES AMIS~ closed it doors on Sunday January 4th, after opening in 2010 on Union Street. A press release from Bacchus Management Group, which owned the café, cites problems securing a lease as the ultimate cause of the closure. The hope is to reopen in a new location at a later date, but in the meantime, they are working to make sure all the staff can transition into new positions at the group’s other restaurants.
~THE ABBOT’S CELLAR~ is closing at the end of the month (the last day of service is dinner on Saturday January 31st). The three partners, Christian Albertson, Nat Cutler, and Adam Dulye, opened the beer-centric restaurant in 2012. Moving forward, Albertson and Cutler will continue as partners at Monk’s Kettle, while Dulye will move on to another project. The partners cited issues with labor costs, profitability, and sustainability in the restaurant’s demise, despite its critical successes. Between now and January 31st, they will be open Tue-Sat.
The funky places on Divisadero continue to close, and the latest on the chopping block is KK CAFE, according to Hoodline. The story is all too familiar: (the adorable) owners Jack and Margaret Chang can no longer afford the rent increases and upgrades required if they want to stay. They’ll be closing on Tuesday January 13th, but the news isn’t 100 percent bad. They hope to launch a business to distribute their famed peanut milk, with the help of their son Jon, after closing. Best of luck to the Changs, and be sure to stop by soon and get your fill of peanut milk and a burger. 252 Divisadero St. at Haight, 415-626-6188.
The sad news continues, with the report from Eater that GUSSIE’S CHICKEN AND WAFFLES has closed. Yelpers are reporting that they closed due to ongoing flooding issues, but will reopen in Oakland. 1521 Eddy St. at Fillmore.
We received notice that MASON in Potrero has also closed. Chef-owner Ryan Scott, who also owns MARKET & RYE next door, opened Mason in July. Despite only a few months in operation, Scott reportedly received “an offer that he couldn’t refuse” for the space, according to a press release. 338 De Haro St. at 16th St., 415-255-9335.
And just a quick reminder: the end of 2014 also meant the end of EMPRESS OF CHINA. The iconic grande dame failed to secure a long-term lease after the building that houses the restaurant was sold; for more details on the sale, check out this article from The Examiner. 838 Grant St. at Clay.
Exterior photo from the now-closed Café des Amis (photo via Facebook).
