In its role recognizing longstanding, community-serving, and culturally vital businesses in San Francisco, the San Francisco Small Business Commission (SBC) approved 11 businesses for the Legacy Business Registry during its most recent two meetings. There are now 427 businesses that have been added to the Registry, which began in 2015.
Inclusion on the Registry provides Legacy Businesses with recognition and support as an incentive for them to stay in the community. This includes grants for rent stabilization, a program that was enhanced in 2024 by adding a requirement that eligible landlords share at least 50% of the grant with their tenants. Legacy Businesses can also receive educational and promotional assistance to encourage their continued viability and success in San Francisco.
“San Francisco loves its Legacy Businesses, which bring character, history, and unique charm to every neighborhood of the City,” said Mayor London N. Breed. “Our 400+ Legacy Businesses contribute to the economic vitality of their communities, through the services they provide the public, employing local workers, and much more.”
“Growing up in the Bay Area, I always delighted in coming to San Francisco and visiting its shops and restaurants,” said Cynthia Huie, President of the Small Business Commission. “Now as a business owner myself, I have an even greater appreciation for the work and dedication it takes to become a Legacy Business. I’m grateful that we have this important program to support our long-lasting community institutions in San Francisco.”
New Legacy Businesses include:
Da Flora
701 Columbus Ave.
An Italian-inspired restaurant known for its house made sweet potato gnocchi.
Fabrix
432 Clement St.
SF’s sustainable and affordable fabric store.
New India Bazar
1107 Polk St.
A large, diverse, and complete Indian grocery store.
Oscar’s Photo Lab
790 Brannan St.
Preserving memories through photography.
PACT, Inc.
635 Divisadero St.
A non-profit providing support to underserved students in San Francisco.
Russian Hill Dog Grooming
2178 Bush St.
San Francisco’s destination dog spa.
Sabella and La Torre
2809 Taylor St.
World famous garlic crab at the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf.
Savoy Tivoli
1434 Grant St.
An historic community bar in North Beach.
Shaw Shoes
2001 Union St.
Unique Italian footwear and accessories.
Ten-Ichi Restaurant
Relocating to a new space
Distinctive homestyle Japanese cuisine and sushi bar.
Treasure Island Museum
39 Treasure Island Rd.
Preserving Treasure Island’s history and charting its future.
In addition to welcoming new Legacy Businesses, several long-standing Legacy Businesses have recently expanded, a testament to their vitality and continued relevance in their communities. In August, Bi-Rite Market opened a location on Polk Street, expanding to three. The gift and toy shop Just for Fun expanded twice in the past year, now operating three locations in San Francisco. And Arion Press grew out of their long-time Presidio home into a new space at the Fort Mason Center, which opened on October 19th.
“I’m thrilled to open our newest location on Fillmore Street and continue spreading the joy of play and creativity across San Francisco,” said Michelle O'Connor, owner of Just for Fun. “The business got its start in 1987 being able to expand to three locations at nearly 40 years old is an amazing opportunity. Being a Legacy Business brings our business more visibility and security for our future.”
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.
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.