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Preservation Commission unanimously approves 12 businesses for San Francisco’s Legacy Business Registry
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Summary
The San Francisco Preservation Commission on Feb. 18 voted 5–0 to add 12 longtime local businesses and nonprofits — from restaurants and a barbershop to a travel agency and arts nonprofit — to the Legacy Business Registry, a program intended to recognize and support neighborhood anchors.
The San Francisco Preservation Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 18 to add 12 longstanding local businesses and nonprofits to the Legacy Business Registry, approving staff recommendations that recognized restaurants, shops, a barbershop, a travel agency, an electrical contractor and arts and community organizations.
The commission’s approval followed staff presentations that described each nominee’s history, neighborhood ties and community contributions. Planning staff recommended inclusion for Submarine Center (West Portal), Jim’s Restaurant (Mission District), Santa Clara Organic Market (Lower Haight), Casa Espana (12 Gulf Street), Ike’s Electric Inc., Incredible Adventures (tour operator), BRAVA (Brava for Women in the Arts), Bravo Pizza (Excelsior), Chicago 2 Barbershop (Divisadero/Golden Gate), Fugazi Travel Agency, Valley Chiropractic (Noe Valley) and Tricolore Cafe & Pizzeria (Jackson Square). Commissioners voted 5–0 to adopt staff recommendations.
Why it matters: The Legacy Business Registry recognizes long-running businesses and organizations that staff say contribute to neighborhood identity, provide community services and preserve cultural history. Richard Quillo, legacy business program manager with the Office of Small Business, told the commission that if the Small Business Commission also approves the slate next week, Santa Clara Organic Market would become the registry’s 500th listed business.
Staff presentations emphasized individual contributions. Wesley Wong described Submarine Center as “a longstanding family-owned gourmet sandwich shop” with more than 40 years of neighborhood ties. Isabella Palomares Escobel highlighted Jim’s Restaurant’s conversion into a culinary training site run by the Mission Language and Vocational School, noting the program trains students and preserves diner traditions. Claire Flanagan summarized BRAVA’s nearly 50-year history of producing and supporting underrepresented artists.
Business owners and supporters told the commission how each enterprise serves the public. Jolie Ginsberg, co-owner of Incredible Adventures, thanked the commission and said the company helped the city shift to alternative fuels, describing the firm’s early adoption of biodiesel. Mikaela Impariale, speaking for the owners of Tricolore, said the family restaurant “managed to survive” multiple economic shocks and remains a Jackson Square fixture. Edith Castorena, development director for Brava for Women in the Arts, described programs for youth, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC artists and urged approval.
The commission also took routine actions earlier in the hearing: it adopted draft minutes from the Feb. 4 meeting and continued one Certificate of Appropriateness case (2025-007705 COA at 958 Minnesota Street) to March 18, 2026.
Votes at a glance (outcome: approved, vote 5–0): Submarine Center (820 Euloa Street) — approved; Jim’s Restaurant (2420 Mission Street) — approved; Santa Clara Organic Market (798 Haight Street) — approved; Casa Espana (12 Gulf Street) — approved; Ike’s Electric Inc. — approved; Incredible Adventures — approved; BRAVA (Brava for Women in the Arts) — approved; Bravo Pizza (5145 Mission Street) — approved; Chicago 2 Barbershop (1000 Divisadero Street) — approved; Fugazi Travel Agency (345 California Street) — approved; Valley Chiropractic (1326 Church Street) — approved; Tricolore Cafe & Pizzeria (700 Montgomery Street, Unit 590) — approved.
What’s next: Staff said the slate will go to the Small Business Commission on Monday for the next procedural step. The commission adjourned after issuing its approvals.
