SF’s Oldest Ice Cream Parlor May Have Served Its Last Scoop
Hat tip to SFGate for letting us know that the SF’s oldest ice cream parlor might have to close for good.
The 102-year old ice cream parlor and diner “St. Francis Fountain” has been serving the Mission since 1918.
Sadly the iconic landmark, beloved diner, candy shop, and soda counter at 24th St. and York in the Mission District, might close for good. “It’s already on life support before COVID-19,” owner Peter Hood told SF Gate.
He doesn’t necessarily blame the pandemic, but says the city has made it very difficult for small businesses to survive even in good economic times. “Why even try in a city that has been actively driving small businesses out of business for over a decade?” Read more at SF Gate.
The ice cream parlor survived the Spanish flu and the end of World War I. But will it survive the COVID-19 crisis and shutdown?
Dear Patrons,
Due to the public health concerns caused by the Corona virus, the St. Francis Fountain will be closed for the time being. The health of our customers and employees is our utmost concern, so we are being proactive and ceasing all business operations. We will, of course, be more than thrilled to re-open at the appropriate time and begin the process of rebuilding all our lives together, with good music, good food and friendly company. At times like these, we all need to support one another. Be good to yourself, be good to other people and don’t be the person to buy the last item on any shelf, anywhere. We are all in this together, it will be rough for everyone, but we will all come out of this stronger than before.
Let us not say goodbye, but rather, “Until we meet again!”
Be safe and flatten the curve.
Yours Truly,
Levon Kazarian, Peter Hood
and the Staff of the St. Francis Fountain
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Thanks for all the love, folks! We miss you too! We will be so glad when we can reopen!
