Vom Fass Spices Up Ghirardelli; Rickybobby's Hiatus

NORTH BEACH—Vom Fass, a German-based chain of spice, oil, and vinegar shops, has opened a location in Ghirardelli Square. They plan to host cooking classes and tastings with local chefs, and if all goes well, they want to open a bunch more Bay Area locations. [Business Times]

LOWER HAIGHT—Rickybobby is closed for maintenance until next Tuesday; they're trying to expand their hours until 1 am and stay open for dinner seven nights a week, and they need more staff to do it. We'll update you when that goes down. [Haighteration]

THE MISSION—Is the Catholic Church trying to force out two longtime 24th Street businesses so they can get a higher-paying restaurant tenant? The 24th Street Merchants Association thinks so. [Uptown Almanac]

UNION SQUARE—Tout Sweet Patisserie turns one this weekend, and they'll be giving away free treats to the first 50 people to drop in on Saturday morning. Yigit Pura is also offering a half-dozen free macarons with any purchase of $25 or more. [EaterWire]