Commission adds four longtime businesses to San Francisco's legacy-business registry

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on Aug. 16 recommended that four businesses be added to the city's legacy-business registry: the San Francisco Go Club, Mitchell's Ice Cream, Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store & Cafe, and the Irish Bank Bar & Restaurant.

Staff presented historical summaries for each nominee and recommended approval. Elizabeth Miao described the Go Club as "the oldest continuously operating Go Club in The United States," founded by Japanese enthusiasts in 1931 and now located in the Japan Center. Staff noted Mitchell's Ice Cream has a seven-decade history on San Jose Avenue and 9th Street; Mario's was presented as a longtime North Beach storefront institution; and the Irish Bank was described as a 27-year-old downtown pub that contributes to Union Square's identity and faces displacement pressures.

Speakers representing the businesses spoke in support. Matthew Barkis, representing the Go Club, asked the commission to "recognize the club's enduring cultural significance." Ronan O'Neil, owner of the Irish Bank, said inclusion would help access business assistance and a rent-stabilization grant as downtown foot traffic has declined since the pandemic.

Commissioners praised the community role of the nominees and moved to approve the staff recommendations. The Go Club motion was adopted with a 4–0 recorded vote for that item due to a recusal; subsequent legacy-business approvals were adopted 5–0.

By placing these businesses on the registry, staff said nominees become eligible for recognition and some city business-assistance programs. Preservation staff will follow up on formal registry listing procedures and any related program eligibility requirements.

The commission's actions were procedural approvals aimed at recognizing long-standing community-serving businesses and helping mitigate displacement risk in commercial corridors.