Commission recommends five legacy businesses for the Legacy Business Registry

Desiree Smith, Planning Department staff, presented five legacy business nominations submitted by the Aug. 22 filing deadline for the September hearing: The Booksmith at 1644 Haight Street; Dog Eared Books at 900 Valencia Street; Green Apple Books at 506 Clement Street; Henry’s House of Coffee at 1618 Noriega Street; and Zeitgeist at 199 Valencia Street. Smith said staff found each business met the criteria for recommendation and that draft resolutions describing the businesses’ historic features and community traditions were included in commission packets.

Speakers representing the businesses described their history and community role. A Green Apple Books representative (identified from a speaker card as Pete Molesville/Hill) recounted the store’s founding in 1967, expansion over 49 years, unionized workforce history and daily foot traffic, saying the store helps keep books accessible to a broad range of San Francisco readers. Horag Khalebjin, co‑owner of Henry’s House of Coffee, spoke about his family’s multi‑generation roasting tradition, described taking over the Irving Street business in 1983 and said nomination as a legacy business would honor family and community heritage.

Commissioners spoke in support of the nominations, noting the cultural and neighborhood value of longstanding independent bookstores, coffee roasters and community gathering places. After discussion, the commission moved and seconded the recommendation to adopt the draft resolutions for all five businesses. The motion passed unanimously, 6–0. The commission encouraged staff to consider public events or library partnerships to highlight legacy‑business stories.