Castro’s Finn Town Tavern Will Open Nearby Little Finn Emporium

Finn Town Tavern at 2251 Market Street in the Castro is expanding down the block, opening an “emporium” sidekick at 2215 Market Street in retail space that was formerly Fashion Exchange. Starting early next year, Little Finn will serve gelato — in partnership with popular Coletta Gelato, no less — plus sandwiches, soups, salads and provisions like cheese and charcuterie.

Finn Town’s title recalls an old nickname for the Castro neighborhood, which was once home to the city’s Finnish/Scandinavian population. The restaurant opened in 2016 and has settled into its area since, replacing opening chef Ryan Scott and refining its menu. Joseph Walker, formerly of Leo’s Oyster Bar, is now executive chef.

In the meantime, Finn Town’s owners, Rick Hamer and Bill Vastardis, have expanded with Papi Rico, an LGBT bar/cantina with Mexican food they opened this year. Now, under the banner of a restaurant group called Bay City Boyz , they’re making more moves, including Little Finn.

Jim Maxwell of Architects II, who designed Finn Town and Papi Rico, will create the new emporium’s space, and Hamer and vastardis will stock it with food for take-out (think picnic baskets for nearby Dolores Park). And beyond gelato, pastry chef Lori Baker (Baker & Banker) will supply Little Finn with a line of cupcakes, cookies, and more under the brand name Daddycakes — naughty.