Empty Promises.

Every business starts with a dream of promise.

San Francisco's commercial sector was in trouble before COVID-19 due to sky high rents. Then the pandemic hit. The California Restaurant Association said recently, “As the shutdown has lasted longer than anyone could have predicted, some estimates have suggested the permanent closings of independent restaurants could be as high as 85% without government action.” (sfgate 1/8/2021) Here's a small sampling of what I've seen during my recent walks.

Overland One Hair Studio. Outer Noriega in the Sunset.

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"Local Strange" - vintage design classics. They were on Balboa and 34th Avenue.

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The former Pinnochio's Italian restaurant had a 20-year run on Columbus before COVID.

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This was a very popular yoga studio on Balboa & 38th Avenue.

I believe this was a financial institution on outer Geary Boulevard.

This restaurant was in the Richmond District as I recall.

The former Lori's Diner at Ghiradelli Square. It had a 50's theme, and was there for 20 years.

The former World Trade Club. The former Carnelian Room By The Bay. And most recently a Thai restaurant. Located behind the Ferry Building on the waterfront, this place is enormous. The Port of SF is waiting for a deep-pocket investor to do a total makeover which brings the property up to snuff with the rest of the Ferry Building. They've been waiting for years.

I didn't notice this place until it was empty. It's in the outer Avenues.

The former Olive Garden at Stonestown. One of many in this chain that are closing.