The Legacy Business Registry recognizes longstanding, community-serving businesses as valuable cultural assets to the city. Currently, a total of 321 businesses have been added to the Legacy Business Registry.
“Legacy businesses are community staples in every community, neighborhood, and commercial corridor. We are proud of this cohort of nine new additions to the Legacy Business Registry, located across 10 different San Francisco neighborhoods,” says Sharky Laguana, President of the Small Business Commission.
Expanding the representation of businesses on the Registry is a goal for the program. Beginning in July 2022, the Office of Small Business is prioritizing the review of applications from businesses located in several neighborhoods that are currently underrepresented on the Registry. These include Bayview, Excelsior, Inner and Outer Sunset, Portola, and Visitacion Valley. A simplified application process will be rolling out soon.
New Legacy Business Spotlight
Among the businesses new to the Legacy Business Registry is Wilcox Frozen Foods. Founded in 1946 by Don Wilcox, Wilcox Frozen Foods was the first frozen food distributor in San Francisco and is one of the only broad-line food distributors remaining in business within the city limits today. Broad-line distributors are often used by grocery stores and restaurants for a wide range of products.
The business was owned and operated by the Wilcox Family until August 2021, when they were ready to retire. Mother/son team Catherine and David Schoop purchased it. They were long-time customers of Wilcox and had come to know all of the employees.
“It’s been quite a learning curve understanding and stepping into the distribution business. But it was really important to us that this local, independent San Francisco distributor stayed local and independent.So, we bought it. We saved 10 union jobs. We’re very excited, said David Schoop, the new owner of Wilcox Frozen Foods.
Wilcox Frozen Foods was nominated for the Legacy Business Registry by then-Supervisor Matt Haney, who writes, “The Schoop’s willingness to continue operations of Wilcox Frozen Foods is a critical part of the San Francisco food chain … Because of Wilcox’s commitment to San Francisco and their commitment to highly skill union labor, Wilcox is well deserving of the distinction and honor of Legacy Business status.”
Wilcox Frozen Foods is located on Oakdale Avenue in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood.
The full details of the ten new additions to the Legacy Business Registry are below.
Glen Park Chiropractic
2 Monterey Blvd.
Nominated by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman
Business Description: Glen Park Chiropractic has been helping people feel better and stay well since they opened in 1987. Their expertise provides relief from discomfort and pain, gets the spine to function optimally, and maintains spinal health. They specialize in Activator Chiropractic, which is safe, low-force, and very effective. Glen Park Chiropractic also treats people injured in automobile accidents, helping clients recover from their injuries as quickly as possible.
Goat Hill Pizza
300 Connecticut St., 171 Stillman St., and 170 West Portal Ave.
Nominated by Supervisor Shamann Walton
Business Description: Goat Hill Pizza got its name from post-1906 earthquake photographs showing goats roaming among the tent villages, temporary housing, and rocky outcroppings of Potrero Hill. Their mission is to provide delicious, reasonably-priced sourdough pizzas and offer their neighbors a warm, relaxing gathering place. Goat Hill Pizza is active in their local communities and a popular spot for school fundraisers and birthday parties, and for local artists to display their work.
John’s Grill
63 Ellis St.
Nominated by Supervisor Aaron Peskin
Business Description: Historic John’s Grill's distinctive exterior neon sign and interior dark wood paneling transports you back in time. Their business was made famous in part thanks to the novel The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. On the climactic final night of the novel's plot, detective Sam Spade dines on chops, baked potato, and sliced tomatoes at John's Grill after coming into possession of the falcon. Lamb chops and their beloved clam chowder are still top menu items.
Latin Bridal
2644 Mission St.
Nominated by Supervisor Hillary Ronen
Business Description: Latin Bridal celebrates Latino culture and helps keep customs and traditions alive. They sell formal wear and unique pieces that are hard to find, including specialty wear for christenings, first communions, quinceañeras, and other life celebrations.
Nomad Cyclery
2555 Irving St.
Nominated by Supervisor Gordan Mar
Business Description: Nomad Cyclery is an independent bicycle sales, service, and repair shop. They are located at 27th and Irving in San Francisco's foggy Outer Sunset District. They feature new bicycles from the brands Jamis, Marin Bikes, KHS, Soma Fabrications, and more. They also have a selection of used bicycles for sale, by request. Nomad Cyclery’s service department delivers top-quality bicycle maintenance with quick turnaround times. Riding a bicycle is more than a passion, it’s a lifestyle. If you are looking for a new bike for any member of your family, then you’ve come to the right place.
San Francisco Microscopical Society
3150 18th St., Unit #254
Nominated by then Supervisor Matt Haney
Business Description: San Francisco Microscopical Society is a community of aspirational, amateur, and professional microscopists. Their mission is to be a focal point for all microscopists across all disciplines of both science and the arts. They welcome all people of any age or background – from those who have not used a microscope to those who have been working with them for decades. Become a society member to learn and grow your microscopy practice!
Suppenküche
525 Laguna St.
Nominated by Supervisor Dean Preston
Business Description: Suppenküche was founded by Fabricius Wiest and family to share their experience of Bavarian life in a small village where the food is simple, the beer is flowing, and the conversation is jovial and sincere. Offering good, simple German cuisine expertly prepared in a heartfelt space with an extensive German beer and wine menu over wooden tables with communal dining, Suppenküche is a refuge in the noise of daily life.
Trattoria Contadina
1800 Mason St.
Nominated by Supervisor Aaron Peskin
Business Description: Trattoria Contadina is the quintessential Italian-American red sauce restaurant with dishes elevated by incredible ingredients and comfortable service. They have the classics that people love like spaghetti and meatballs, bruschetta, caesar salads, and lots of homemade tomato sauce complemented by imaginative menu items, cocktails, and esoteric wines. They use high quality, local, and Italian ingredients, as well as organic produce and sustainably-raised meats and wild fish whenever possible. Trattoria Contadina’s motto is, "Leave your problems at the door. Enjoy your meal."
Wilcox Frozen Foods
2200 Oakdale Ave.
Nominated by then Supervisor Matt Haney
Business Description: Wilcox Frozen Foods was the first frozen food distributor in San Francisco and remains one of the few major food distributors in the city. Customer service is their defining feature. They still do business the “old school way” that’s based on what is best for customers instead of maximizing profits. Unlike other distributors, they have no delivery minimums and don’t require lead times. Wilcox provides customers what they need even if it’s a same day delivery. Their location also has a 10,000-square-foot freezer. Not many businesses have a freezer that size, which makes Wilcox pretty cool!
About the Legacy Business Registry
A Legacy Business is a for-profit or nonprofit business that has operated in San Francisco for 30 or more years. The business must contribute to the neighborhood's history and/or the identity of a particular neighborhood or community, and it must commit to maintaining the physical features or traditions that define the business, including craft, culinary or art forms.
The registration process for the Legacy Business Program includes nomination by Mayor London N. Breed or a member of the Board of Supervisors, a written application, an advisory recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission and approval of the Small Business Commission. Inclusion on the Registry provides Legacy Businesses with recognition and support as an incentive for them to stay in the community. The program also provides educational and promotional assistance to encourage their continued viability and success in San Francisco.
The Legacy Business Program is managed through the Office of Small Business. For more information about the Legacy Business Program, including a list and map of businesses on the Legacy Business Registry, visit www.legacybusiness.org.