Cliff House Halts Takeout Services Amid Pandemic Pressures
The iconic Cliff House restaurant in San Francisco, located within the Sutro Historic District and adjacent to the oceanfront National Park, has made the difficult decision to suspend its takeout operations. This move comes as the restaurant prepares to reopen its indoor dining space at a later date.
Statement from Ownership
On July 20, the Hountalas family, who own the restaurant, shared their reasoning behind this decision in a Facebook post. Dan and Mary Hountalas emphasized their enduring commitment to their staff, patrons, and the broader San Francisco community, stating:
“Our commitment to our guests, our staff, and to San Francisco has never been stronger. It is due to this very commitment that we have decided to suspend our takeout service at both the Cliff House and the Lookout Cafe effective this Monday, July 20, 2020.”
They explained that due to economic challenges posed by the pandemic, it was essential to conserve resources to ensure future operations would be sustainable. The posting expressed gratitude for the support they received throughout this challenging period.
Context of the Closure
The temporary cessation of services at the Cliff House follows closely behind the permanent closure of the nearby Louis’ Restaurant, which had been a well-known breakfast destination for 83 years. This adds to the emotional weight of the current circumstances, especially as both establishments are tied to the Hountalas family.
Looking Ahead
The owners remain optimistic about the future. They noted that the spacious layout of the Cliff House will allow for effective social distancing when indoor dining is eventually permitted to resume. However, as of now, there is no confirmed date from the City of San Francisco regarding the reopening of indoor dining venues.
Stay Updated
As the situation evolves, interested patrons are encouraged to check for updates regarding the reopening plans of the Cliff House and the Lookout Cafe.
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Originally Published: July 20, 2020 at 2:58 PM PDT
