Bay Area Bar and Restaurant Closures Impact Local Culture
Bear’s Lair and Pub at SFSU Permanently Close
In a notable shift within the Bay Area’s social scene, the closure of the Pub at San Francisco State University (SFSU) marks the end of an era. After 25 years of service, the student-run pub has shut its doors for good, as reported by the Golden Gate Xpress. Chris Farmer, director of operations at the University Corporation at SFSU, indicated that the pub struggled with declining patronage in recent semesters. This trend raises questions about potential factors such as decreased enrollment, shifting drinking habits among younger generations, and the growing sober curious movement.
A Shift in the Restaurant Landscape
Meanwhile, renowned chef Tyler Florence is transitioning his flagship restaurant, Wayfare Tavern, to a new location. The popular establishment, currently situated at 558 Sacramento Street, will close in April and is set to reopen at 201 Pine Street in late April 2025. The design of the new venue will be overseen by designer Jon de la Cruz. This move is part of a broader trend for Florence, who has recently shifted away from his Union Square kiosks and is pursuing plans to revamp the former Town Hall restaurant location at Howard and Fremont streets, although this undertaking has seen delays.
Temporary Closure of Upstairs in Oakland
Another recent development comes from Oakland, where chef Andres Giraldo Florez has encountered unexpected challenges with his newly opened café and bar, Upstairs. Located above his popular Snail Bar, the establishment opened its doors on March 7 but faced closure just a week later due to regulatory issues. A cease and desist order was issued by the city in response to the venue operating without proper permits, leaving the timeline for its reopening uncertain.
Financial Challenges for SF Pride
In a related note, the upcoming San Francisco Pride festivities are experiencing financial hurdles as five corporate sponsors have withdrawn support for the 2025 events. Among the sponsors that have stepped back are several food and beverage companies, including Anheuser-Busch and Diageo. Executive Director Suzanne Ford expressed concerns about the possibility of further withdrawals, attributing some sponsor exits to a perceived lack of funds and potentially to current administrative policies regarding diversity and inclusion. The organization is now facing a $300,000 deficit from its sponsorship budget, emphasizing the need for new partnerships to support this beloved annual event.
