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Finn Town Tavern will serve its final brunch this Labor Day weekend, closing up shop at 2251 Market Street after a three-year run. The casual, Castro District spot opened in 2016, offering a menu of American comfort food like burgers and deviled eggs with Ryan Scott, a Top Chef alum, in the kitchen (though Scott left the business shortly after opening). Following Labor Day, the business will become an events space for pop-ups and parties while a new tenant is sought.
Speaking to the Bay Area Reporter earlier this month, Finn Town partner Rick Hamer (also of Castro Street bar and restaurant Papi Rico) cited a slowdown in business and diminished foot traffic on Market Street in the Castro. The neighborhood has suffered from a slew of closures and vacancies, Hamer observed: Businesses like Firewood Cafe and Chow on Church have closed after more than 20 years, though some newcomers, like Cook Shoppe in the former Chow space, have come to take their place.
“We love the Castro and will try our best to find a new owner who will contribute to the community as much as we have,” says Hamer in a note shared with Eater SF. “We hope to see as many of our supporters as we can over the next few days as we turn the page.”
Finn Town Tavern, named for the Castro’s Finish and Scandinavian roots in the 1850s (think also of the historic Swedish American Hall), had more plans for Market Street before its closure. A to-go business, Little Finn Emporium, was slated for nearby storefront at 2215 Market Street. Given the downturn in business, that’s not moving forward.
“Because we do not like seeing another empty neighborhood storefront, starting September 3rd, we will be available as a private event space and commissary kitchen rental,” Hamer added. “We will be providing our own direct party services and already have several booked. We also are open to professionals looking to do pop-events and invite amateur chefs seeking to impress their friends with their cooking abilities (and a full bar) to make Finn Town their own for a day or night.”
Hamer ended his note by extending thanks to longtime patrons and investors in Finn Town, while also acknowledging the business’ recent difficulties. “We wish we could have done better on several levels over the past few weeks and want to encourage everyone to get out and support their neighborhood businesses on a regular basis,” Hamer says.
