Exciting New Dining and Bakery Ventures at San Francisco’s Ferry Building
San Francisco’s Ferry Building is poised for a culinary revival with the upcoming openings of Arquet and Parachute Bakery. Led by chef-owner Alex Hong and director of operations Joel Wilkerson, these ventures are set to transform the space previously occupied by The Slanted Door, which has remained vacant for six years.
Arquet: A New Casual Dining Experience
Slated to open in the summer of 2024, Arquet aims to serve an ingredient-driven California cuisine, highlighting seasonal produce, which is easily accessible given the nearby Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market. The term “arquet,” meaning “little arch,” is inspired by the arches present in the restaurant’s window design.
Parachute Bakery: A Morning to Afternoon Delight
Parachute Bakery, set to open first in June 2024, will focus primarily on producing exquisite Viennoiserie, such as croissants. This establishment aims to enhance the Ferry Building’s allure by creating a vibrant morning-through-afternoon atmosphere for visitors.
Creating a Culinary Community
The shared vision of Arquet and Parachute Bakery is to foster a casual dining experience that encourages community gatherings. Hong and Wilkerson expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “We love seeing more opportunities for people to gather, enjoy great food, and take in the magic of the marketplace.”
Background of the Founders
Alex Hong, who founded Sorrel over a decade ago as a pop-up restaurant, has an impressive background. His culinary journey includes notable stints in prestigious kitchens, such as Jean-Georges in New York City and Quince in San Francisco. After establishing Sorrel as a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2016, he received significant accolades, including a James Beard Rising Star Chef nomination and a Michelin star.
Joel Wilkerson, who brings valuable experience as a Level 2 Sommelier, joined Sorrel as the director of operations in 2021. His previous role was with Gabriela Cámara at Cala, further enhancing the operational expertise at Sorrel.
Follow Their Journey
While Arquet and Parachute Bakery are set to debut later this year, both establishments have established their presence on social media platforms, providing updates on their progress leading up to the opening dates.
Moving Forward
The establishment of Arquet and Parachute Bakery marks an exciting next chapter for the Ferry Building and highlights the culinary innovation that continues to thrive in San Francisco. As the teams work to bring their vision to life, the community eagerly anticipates further developments in this vibrant waterfront spot.
For more updates, consider following the official social media accounts of Arquet and Parachute Bakery.
