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Why SF Fav “El Farolito” Can’t Open in North Beach

With just 4 locations in SF, the local, family-owned restaurant is considered “formula retail”
By - posted 9/28/2021 No Comment

Voted “The Most Life-Changing Burrito in America,” taqueria El Farolito was tentatively scheduled to open up a brand new location in North Beach. The new North Beach restaurant would have been its 4th location in The City and its 13th location around The Bay.

However, SF Gate recently shared the news that its permit has been denied because the local chain is too successful. Thanks to San Francisco’s Proposition G which limited formula chain retail, the local, family-owned business can not grow any further in SF’s neighborhood commercial districts like North Beach.

San Francisco’s rule states that a business cannot have more than 10 locations, otherwise, it’s considered a corporate chain, or “formula retail.” The Planning Commission will allow the Lopez family to open a restaurant at that location, but it will not be El Farolito. They must change the name, logo, and even its recipes.

Related: A Brand New El Farolito is Coming to SF’s North Beach – 8/23/2021