Commission approves four legacy-business listings and removes 10 former legacy businesses

The San Francisco Small Business Commission on March 24 approved resolutions to add four businesses to the city’s Legacy Business Registry and separately voted to remove 10 businesses that staff determined had ceased operations in San Francisco.

Additions: Richard Carrillo, the legacy business program manager, presented four recommended additions — Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), Castro Nail Salon, Columbus Cafe and Partita Custom Design Jewelry — noting staff had forwarded draft resolutions and that the Historic Preservation Commission gave positive recommendations. After public testimony from business representatives — including a multi‑minute description from Partita’s owner about his shop’s 20-plus years and a landlord sale that leaves the business facing lease uncertainty — Commissioner Dickerson moved to approve and Commissioner Cornett seconded. The roll call recorded unanimous yes votes and the resolutions were approved.

Partita owner: The Partita representative described building a jewelry business since 1999 and said the landlord initially told them they would have to vacate in 60 days; he asked the commission to recognize the business’s contribution and help protect its future.

Removals: Later in the meeting Carrillo presented 10 legacy businesses that had, per registry rules, ceased operations or otherwise met removal criteria. The list included Bose Flower Stand, Irma Enterprises (manufacturer), Suavang Quan Martial Arts Center, a marine chartering firm, Sam Jordan’s Bar, San Francisco Carts and Concessions, SF Party (party-supplies store), Slim’s (bar/venue), 2 Jack’s Place (restaurant) and UCO (clothing store). Carrillo explained the registry’s removal triggers (operation cessation, business-registration closure or failure to retain core historic features) and gave dates for business-registration or location closures.

Commissioners noted the cultural loss of some closures — Commissioner Ortiz called the loss of Sam Jordan’s and 2 Jack’s Place “a big loss to our community” — and raised concerns about permitting barriers and public-safety impacts that contributed to closures. Commissioner Benitez moved and Commissioner Cornett seconded a motion to remove the 10 businesses; the motion passed (one commissioner recorded a symbolic no; one commissioner was absent). Carrillo said staff had attempted outreach to owners before bringing removals forward.

What it means: Additions will be added to the registry and receive the program’s recognition and potential supports tied to legacy businesses. Removals are administrative actions consistent with registry rules when a legacy location and/or business registration has been closed for the specified statutory periods.