Historic Preservation Commission adds five long-standing businesses to Legacy Business Registry

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously on July 20, 2022, to add five businesses to the city’s Legacy Business Registry, endorsing staff findings that each has longstanding ties to its neighborhood and contributes to local cultural and economic life.

Planning staff presented the nominations for Supin Kuche (Hayes Valley), Latin Bridal (Mission), Nomad Cyclery (Outer Sunset), John's Grill (Union Square) and Wilcox Frozen Foods (Bayshore), and recommended that all five be placed on the registry. Kalyani Agnihotri and Ryan Balba summarized each business’s history and neighborhood role and noted staff support for the applications.

The department highlighted that Nomad Cyclery has operated for more than five decades in the Irving Street commercial corridor, that John's Grill has occupied 63 Ellis Street for 114 years, and that Wilcox Frozen Foods has served San Francisco’s food distribution needs since 1946. Staff also noted an Office of Small Business displacement exception can apply to firms under 30 years when they face a credible risk of displacement; planning’s Richard Curillo confirmed that exception was documented for Supin Kuche, which is 29 years old.

Public testimony included longtime customers and local leaders. Don Shipman said Nomad had “been here when I started my career in 1984,” and Supervisor Marr said Nomad Cyclery is “a perfect example…of what the legacy business program is intended to support.” David Shute, representing Wilcox Frozen Foods, described saving union jobs and continuing community donations.

Commissioners praised the group as local anchors, noted the importance of succession planning for family businesses, and asked staff clarifying questions about eligibility and applicant outreach. After discussion, the commission moved, seconded and approved staff recommendations to add all five businesses to the Legacy Business Registry; the motion carried 6–0.

The commission’s action places the five businesses on the city registry, a designation meant to recognize cultural and historic contributions and to make owners eligible for retention support programs.