A Unique Concept in Women’s Spaces

Despite the burgeoning popularity of women’s sports, Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich noticed a significant gap in the market: the absence of dedicated venues for fans of women’s athletic events. Meeting through soccer with the San Francisco Spikes, the duo frequently encountered challenges in finding a suitable place to watch the games of Bay FC after their own matches.

“We’d call places days in advance, and they’d say, ‘We don’t have the channel,’ but it was on regular TV,” Yergovich recounted. This sparked the realization that there was a distinct lack of options in San Francisco for watching women’s sports comfortably.

Introducing Rikki’s

This May, the landscape will change with the launch of Rikki’s, anticipated to be the first women’s sports bar and restaurant in the Bay Area. Positioned in the Castro district at 2223 Market St., Rikki’s aims to become a welcoming hub for women’s sports enthusiasts.

The bar is named in honor of Rikki Streicher, a prominent activist known for her contributions in founding the Gay Games and establishing two influential queer women’s bars, Maud’s and Amelia’s, prior to her passing in 1994.

A Dedicated Space for Community

In a neighborhood known for its traditional male-centric establishments, Thoe and Yergovich emphasize the importance of creating a space that is focus on women and the LGBTQ+ community. “It’s not a lesbian bar but it’s queer-owned and women-focused,” Yergovich stated, highlighting the need for such a venue amidst the historically male-dominated Castro area.

The 162-capacity venue will feature multiple screens showcasing women’s sporting events, including Bay FC games and the Golden State Valkyries, the newly launched WNBA team.

Family-Friendly Ambiance

Observations from previous watch parties hosted by Thoe and Yergovich indicated that many attendees were families, prompting them to collaborate with JD Voss, former owner of SOMA’s Jamber Wine Pub, to develop a family-friendly menu catering to diverse tastes. Further details on the menu offerings are forthcoming.

Innovative Beverage Selections

Rikki’s plans to feature a cocktail menu curated by renowned mixologist Christian “Suzu” Suzuki, alongside a wide array of beers and wines to complement the dining experience.

Community-Centric Vision

“It’s been so fun planning it, meeting everyone from different sports organizations, the professional teams, and local communities,” expressed Yergovich. “It felt very validating.”

The intent behind Rikki’s is clear: to create a community-oriented space that resonates with women’s sports enthusiasts, free from corporate influence, and resonates with local culture.