Chef Richie Nakano Hints at New Restaurant, and More A.M. Intel

Some news on the Richie Nakano front

It’s been a little over a year since chef Richie Nakano opened and then quickly shuttered Hapa Ramen, with a side of drama attached. Since then, he’s been working for the Delfina Restaurant Group, and — of course — sounding off online about whatever food topic happens to be trending. His latest interaction with the press has revealed some interesting info: He’s looking to potentially open a restaurant in the Outer Sunset, where he lives. “Nothing concrete” is in the works, he told Hoodline, but he’s been casually looking at spaces for a neighborhood ramen joint. The other option he’s considering is leaving San Francisco. We’ll be anxiously awaiting his decision, but in the meantime, he’s planning some pop-ups this fall. Stay tuned.

Old Bus Tavern is down a chef

Opening chef Max Snyder has decided to move on from Old Bus Tavern, the low-key Bernal Heights beer bar with elevated food, to return home to Texas, Inside Scoop reports. The owners are on the lookout for a replacement, during which time sous chef Peter Dumas is steering the ship.

The Mid-Market conversation continues

Mid-Market’s been a hot topic these past few weeks with the sudden open-and-close of Oro and Cadence, and likely Bon Marche, which is now for sale. The SF Business Times takes a look at what could work there, and comes to the conclusion everyone already knows: fast casual.

Oakland’s Kwik Way to become apartments

What has become a familiar story to Bay Area residents is playing out yet again at Oakland’s Kwik Way Drive-In, the decades-old diner that is now in disrepair. Plans are in motion to turn it into a five-story housing and retail development, according to The Chronicle. This time around, though, neighbors don’t seem to mind.