LUNA PARK is closing by the end of the year and turning into a bar, according to Uptown Almanac. The new buyer is none other than Gaslight Café Partners, the LLC that owns PlumpJack Wines and was founded by Gavin Newsom. There isn’t yet any word on what might be moving in, exactly, but Luna Park’s owner AJ Gilbert says it will be bar and that the current staff will be invited to remain.
We checked in with PlumpJack’s PR team and got this quality piece of spin: “While it is premature to discuss the future of Luna Park in detail, PlumpJack Group is always looking for opportunities to maximize their investments and add to their dynamic collection of hospitality and lifestyle businesses in Northern California. Luna Park is one of the properties they have looked at; however, it would be premature to discuss plans at this point. We look forward to discussing further as appropriate.” So, that’s one big stand by for now. 694 Valencia St. at 18th St., 415-553-8584.
On Union Street, LA CUCINA has closed after 46 years. Owner Bebe Stavrinides is retiring after opening the café in 1968 (we’d say she’s earned some time off) and has sold the restaurant to Mick Suverkrubbe (Circa, Cosmopolitan), John Jasso (Gary Danko, Fifth Floor), and chef Claudio Marchesan (E’Angelo). The new team plans to open a pizzeria in the space, along with salumi and a wine bar. 2136 Union St. at Webster.
Hoodline reports that the Castro location of BRANDY HO’S is closing. Today, Tuesday October 28th, is their last day in business. Reportedly, the building sold, but there isn’t any word yet on what’s moving in. The location in North Beach is still open. 4068 18th St. at Hartford.
This isn’t quite a closure, but is worth noting: Off the Grid Fort Mason will be closing for the winter after their market on Friday October 31st. Don’t worry, they’ll be back in March and will be throwing an end-of-season and Halloween party this Friday, with a costume contest, special decorations, and a special menu. Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd. at Laguna.
Luna Park on Valencia. Yelp photo by Andrew K.
