Historic Preservation Commission forwards 10 longtime San Francisco businesses to Small Business Commission

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted to forward applications for 10 longtime local businesses to the Small Business Commission for listing on the Legacy Business Registry.

The commission reviewed individual presentations by Planning Department staff and public comment before approving Grafel Coffee Roasting Company (735 Columbus Avenue) and a group of nine additional businesses, including Frank’s Fisherman, Presidio Hill School, Gemini Unisex Hairstyling, Graphic Arts Workshop, Magic Theatre, Mission Groceria, Mr. S Leather, Fred’s Liquors and Makeda Restaurant. All motions passed unanimously: Grafel was forwarded in an initial vote that passed 5–0 (Commissioner Baldauff was recused for that item); a subsequent motion forwarded the remaining nine businesses by a 6–0 vote.

Why it matters: The Legacy Business Registry recognizes longtime enterprises for their cultural and economic contributions and can be used by other city programs for support and outreach. Several owners and community members told commissioners the designations help protect neighborhood character and support small-business continuity.

What commissioners heard and decided - Planning staff presented historical summaries and preservation rationales for each nominee, noting founding dates, continuous operation and community ties. - Walter Hawes, co‑owner of Grafel Coffee Roasting Company, described Grafel as a 1935 North Beach roastery that “still drifts down Columbus Avenue” and said the business supplies restaurants and ships nationwide. - Jonathan Schroeder, CEO of Mr. S Leather, described the business’s international reach and community role in the Leather and LGBTQ cultural district. - Owners and neighbors of other nominees, including Taryn Hoppe (Frank’s Fisherman), Marcela Banks (Gemini Unisex Hairstyling) and Sarah Gaffney (Presidio Hill School), spoke in support and offered brief histories of their businesses.

Votes at a glance - Grafel Coffee Roasting Company (735 Columbus Ave.): motion to forward to the Small Business Commission; outcome: passed unanimously 5–0; Commissioner Baldauff was recused from this item. - Frank’s Fisherman (Jefferson St.), Presidio Hill School (Washington St.), Gemini Unisex Hairstyling (Fillmore), Graphic Arts Workshop (Dogpatch), Magic Theatre (Fort Mason), Mission Groceria (Third St.), Mr. S Leather (SoMa), Fred’s Liquors (300 Mason St.), Makeda Restaurant (Green St.): motion to forward to the Small Business Commission; outcome: passed unanimously 6–0.

Commission procedure and recusal - The commission formally moved to recuse Commissioner Baldauff from consideration of item 5(d), 735 Columbus Avenue; the motion to recuse passed unanimously before consideration of Grafel Coffee Roasting Company.

Next steps - Each forwarded application will be considered by the Small Business Commission, which will decide whether to place the businesses on the Legacy Business Registry and what, if any, follow-up actions or supports are appropriate.

Community context - Supporters noted the businesses’ roles in preserving neighborhood character, serving specific cultural communities, and providing training and jobs. Commissioners acknowledged redevelopment pressures and said registry recognition can be one tool among many to help preserve small-business continuity.