Small Business Commission approves 10 businesses for San Francisco Legacy Business Registry

The San Francisco Small Business Commission on Monday approved placing 10 businesses and institutions on the city’s Legacy Business Registry, a program that recognizes and documents long-running local businesses and organizations.

The vote came after a presentation from Richard Carrillo, legacy business program manager at the Office of Small Business, and public remarks from multiple business representatives. Commissioner Cynthia Dickerson moved to approve the registry applications and Commissioner Renae Cornett seconded; the motion passed with five votes in favor and no votes opposed.

The registry recognizes businesses for their historical roots and contributions to neighborhood character. Carrillo told commissioners, “Before you today are 10 applications for your consideration for the legacy business registry,” and explained that each application included the registry form, a draft resolution and supporting materials from the Planning Department.

Owners and representatives of several nominated businesses addressed the commission during public comment. David Burberry of Frank’s Fisherman thanked the commission and described the business — founded in 1947 and now at 398 Jefferson Street — as serving both fishermen and visitors with gear and licenses. Walter Hawes, owner of Grafeo Coffee Roasting Company, said Grafeo, founded in 1935 in North Beach, would “continue to roast simply the world’s finest coffee in San Francisco” and expressed gratitude to staff and supporters. Sean San Jose of Magic Theatre and Lisa Jaehle, head of Presidio Hill School, spoke about their organizations’ histories and community roles. Jonathan Schroeder, CEO of Mr. S. Leather, described the business’s manufacturing and cultural contributions in SoMa.

Carrillo told the commission the applications had been submitted to Planning on Aug. 18 and were heard by the Historic Preservation Commission on Sept. 17, and that staff recommended the businesses for addition to the registry. He also said staff had discontinued the prior longer staff reports and moved key descriptive elements into the review sheet to streamline processing.

Commissioners praised the breadth of businesses on the list and the way the registry highlights multi-generational and community-rooted enterprises. Commissioner Dickerson said the registry reveals “the legacy that’s inside of you” and thanked applicants for attending.

The businesses approved for the registry and the core feature/tradition listed in their filings were: Frank’s Fisherman (clothing and accessory store; founded 1947; 398 Jefferson Street), Fred’s Liquors (liquor store; circa 1966; contributing building in the Kearny Market Mason Sutter Conservation District), Gemini Unisex Hairstyling (hair salon; founded 1974), Grafeo Coffee Roasting Company Inc. (coffee shop/roaster; founded 1935, North Beach), Graphic Arts Workshop (art gallery/studio; founded 1952, Dogpatch), Magic Theatre (theater; nonprofit founded 1967, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture), Mekade Restaurant (restaurant featuring Persian cuisine; established 1982, North Beach), Mission Groceteria (grocery store; established circa 1940), Mr. S. Leather (adult clothing and accessories store; established 1979, SoMa), and Presidio Hill School (school; established 1918, Presidio Heights).

The commission adopted a separate draft resolution for each approved application as part of the motion. The registry places no immediate regulatory requirements on recipients; it is an honorary designation intended to document and promote the city’s long-standing small businesses.

Commissioners closed public comment after the applicants spoke and then voted to approve all ten registry applications.