Finn Town Plots October Opening, While Market & Rye to Close in August

Chef Ryan Scott has a lot going on, with his Castro tavern Finn Town now slated for an October opening. So much, in fact, that he has decided to close his popular five-year-old Potrero Hill eatery Market & Rye at the end of August, to focus on his new project.

Scott is no stranger to the ol’ switcheroo: When opening the now-shuttered Mason restaurant adjacent to Market & Rye in Potrero Hill, he closed the West Portal location to reallocate his resources; Mason closed after four months. In a statement, Scott says “We had a lot of fun with Market & Rye. But I’m so focused on Finn Town together with my cookbook launch, expanded radio show and media appearances, that it makes sense to step away.” Scott says that some of fans favorite dishes might make an appearance on Finn Town’s menu, including the crispy chicken sandwich.

In the meantime, Finn Town is moving right along with the hire of Jason Raffin as chef de cuisine. Raffin’s last gig was as executive chef at Scotland Yard (née Bin 38), and has experience at Scala’s, Morimoto, and Slanted Door. Now he’ll bring his similar-minded comfort food approach to what Scott describes as “a neighborhood joint meant to be several things to many people.” Perhaps Raffin’s craveable smash-style burger, which featured beef patties, bone marrow aioli, cornichon remoulade, and and aged cheddar, will make it to Finn Town, too.

Stay tuned for menus, photos, and more.

• Finn Town Renderings Reveal Its Tavern Vision [ESF]
• Top Chef Alum to Open a Tavern in the Castro [ESF]