Castro Restaurants Call for Restraining Orders

Harassment allegations prompt restraining orders for Castro restaurants

Per the Bay Area Reporter, Orphan Andy’s restaurant (3991 17th Street) and Ritual Coffee (2299 Market Street) filed for restraining orders after two separate people allegedly made a habit of harassing staffers and patrons. Orphan Andy’s co-owner William Pung says the subject of their order “would stand and shout inside the restaurant and ring my doorbell at 3-4 a.m.,” and District 8 Supe Rafael Mandelman says his office helped Ritual get a similar order when a different person allegedly targeted women for threats. In both cases, the orders to stay away from the businesses will remain in effect for the next four years.

Tamaleria Azteca is attracting long lines for its tamales

North Oakland tamale window Tamaleria Azteca expects to sell 7000 tamales for Christmas Eve and Day celebrations, the Chron reports. In one form or another, the business has been in operation for the last 25 years, most recently owned by Sergio Gomez, a fourth-generation tamale maker who bought the business in 2003. His kids don’t want to continue in his footsteps, he says, so “you should get [his tamales] while you can.”

The Endup and Mums are now legacy businesses

According to San Francisco’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development, the city’s Small Business Commission has agreed that nightlife institution The Endup (401 6th Street) and Japanese restaurant Mums - Home of Shabu Shabu (1800 Sutter Street) should be added to the Legacy Business Registry, honoring both as “valuable cultural assets to the city.” Mums, which opened in 1995, is reportedly the first SF restaurant to serve the traditional Japanese hotpot style of cooking, a menu item that has since gained ubiquity in the city.

Doña is open on Piedmont Avenue

Dona Savitsky, who owned the recently shuttered Doña Tomás, has opened a similar spot at 3770 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. Doña will serve Doña Tomás’ most popular dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and will boast a full bar. Savitsky warns that as they ramp things up in December, Doña’s hours might vary, so patrons are urged to check their Instagram account before visiting.

The owner of Ben ‘N Nick’s announced its closure, then changed his mind

Berkeleyside reports that Mark Graham, the owner of Rockridge standby Ben ‘N Nick’s, announced via Facebook that labor costs and competition meant the restaurant would close on December 22. Graham deleted the post shortly thereafter, and replaced it with a post that reads “By popular demand, Ben ‘N Nick’s is staying open,” an announcement that has garnered numerous comments of affection and relief. So that is apparently that.