Community Staple Chow Closes Last Location, Reopens With New Name, Owners

The last outpost of local restaurant group Chow has closed in Lafayette at 53 Lafayette Circle, ending a 22-year-run for the small chain known for its brunch and dinner.

At least, Chow is technically closed — it’s now under new ownership, the Lafayette Restaurant Group. And the only thing that’s really changed is the restaurant’s name, according to a source familiar with the business. That’s now Tutu’s Food & Drink, and it’s back open serving a familiar menu of egg scrambles, pancakes, and food to go.

Chow started on Church Street in San Francisco, expanded to the Inner Sunset, and eventually beyond, opening in Lafayette and Danville. Then, last year, as the group expanded to a large Oakland location, Chow closed its Inner Sunset business. More financial troubles ensued, and the Oakland and Danville restaurants followed suit

Finally, Chow’s original location on Church threw in the towel this spring. Newcomer Cook Shoppe has already taken its place, even retaining some of Chow’s staff.

Over in Lafayette, Chow regulars needn’t take news of the switch too hard. Founder and longtime face of the business Tony Gulisano is still at what’s now Tutu’s, though no longer an owner, and so is the rest of the team there.

• The last outpost of a Bay Area restaurant empire closes [SFGate]
• The Bay Area’s last Chow restaurant closes [Mercury News]