Legendary “AsiaSF” Dinner Theater Closes After 25 Years
Sadly, San Francisco’s pioneering transgender cabaret dinner show, AsiaSF, has announced it is closing its doors at the end of March.
Ending a storied career with style, grace, award-winning cuisine and legendary, internationally-acclaimed entertainment, AsiaSF, the storied San Francisco dinner theatre and cabaret featuring the world-famous transgender Ladies of AsiaSF, has announced that it is closing. The last dinner show will be Sunday, March 31st, International Transgender Day of Visibility.
“It’s been an extraordinary run and an incredible privilege to work with our transgender Ladies of AsiaSF,” said Larry Hashbarger, Founder and CEO of AsiaSF citing a changing nighttime environment post-COVID with its subsequent financial challenges as the reason for the closure. “We look forward to a lively last few weeks in which we continue to entertain, educate and enliven. The legacy of AsiaSF will live on, having led the way in entertainment which celebrates everyone being their authentic selves.”
While the AsiaSF signature brick-and-mortar business at 201 9th Street in San Francisco’s South of Market District will close, the intellectual property of AsiaSF will continue.
“It’s very possible that pop-up editions of AsiaSF might come forth, said Hashbarger. “This is very much a transition and the end of an era. However, hopefully, it is the beginning of new opportunities for our vision and the Ladies of AsiaSF.”
In 1998, a small business that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism was born: AsiaSF. Founded by Larry Hashbarger and Skip Young, the world-famous restaurant, cabaret and nightclub quickly became an iconic entertainment landmark.
“AsiaSF has been a visionary pioneer in supporting the transgender community through empowerment by creating a safe space and unique employment opportunities that showcased our beautiful transgender stars, the Ladies of AsiaSF, said AsiaSF President/COO, Aaron Nelson. “For almost 26 years, The Ladies of AsiaSF, our star performers, have made audiences laugh, blush and say ‘WOW!’
Under the direction of show director and choreographer, Ronnie Reddick, guests have delighted in choreographed dance routines and lip sync numbers with beautiful costumes, state of the art sound and lights, which electrify AsiaSF’s dramatic runway stage.
“This sisterhood of diverse performers has mastered the art of celebrating,” said Young. By being their own authentic, welcoming selves, the Ladies of AsiaSF have always provided a warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made AsiaSF “Celebration Central for the Bay Area.”
With Vegas commercial style choreography by Reddick and award-winning Cal-Asian cuisine, AsiaSF is a unique interactive, cabaret and dinner entertainment experience. From the moment one enters, the internationally acclaimed “Ladies of AsiaSF” entertain and enlighten you, complete with stand-out-performances featuring original creations by Julian Mendez Couture and Prime Kreations of Los Angeles who has designed for Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner and Megan Thee Stallion.
Voted “One of the Top 100 Hottest Restaurants in America” and “Best Ambiance” by Opentable, AsiaSF has hosted over 1 million patrons since it opened its doors in 1998. COVID and the need for a seismic building retrofit created challenging conditions. Additionally, COVID changed the dining landscape.
“AsiaSF is a complete entertainment, food and cocktail experience,” says Hashbarger, the creator/producer of Passport – America’s premier fashion show and HIV/AIDS fundraiser – during his three and a half decades as Director of Special Productions for Macy’s. “Our beautiful and talented transgender cast bring our guests into their world from the first second they enter the space. They serve drinks. They serve food. They dish up a song and dance experience that will have you applauding-‘til-your-hands-are-sore. ‘They literally create a transformative experience. I couldn’t be prouder of these inspiring women.”
“One of our missions of AsiaSF has always been to create a trans-positive environment that educates and raises awareness about living your truth and being your authentic self,” Hashbarger sums up, “while at the same time providing our guests with a ‘time of your life’ experience.”
All prices are inclusive of dinner and the shows, with cocktails priced separately. For individual reservations, groups and special events go to asiasf.com or call (415) 255-2742.
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