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SF’s 100-year-old “Far East Cafe” Postpones Closure (For Now)

Chinatown’s oldest banquet restaurant was set to close on 12/31, but now temporarily kept alive by city
By - posted 1/2/2021 No Comment

After 100 years in business, Chinatown’s oldest banquet restaurant, the “Far East Cafe” was set to close on New Year’s Eve. Thanks to the San Francisco Chronicle for letting us know that the restaurant has received an extension of sorts, at least for another week.

Thanks to participating in San Francisco’s “New Deal” program – a program that pairs restaurants hurting for business with making meals for the needy. The nonprofit placed orders and is paying for 30 take-out meals a day from Far East Cafe through January 7th.

The 15,000 square foot restaurant at 631 Grant (between Sacramento and California) has a banquet hall for up to 800 guests. Far East Cafe opened in 1920.

To date, San Francisco’s “New Deal” community benefit programs program has distributed 335,922 meals to neighbors in need and $3,241,906 to restaurant partners which include the Far East Cafe, along with restaurants like Amber India, Old Shanghai, Pier 23, La Cocina, Mission Bowling Club, Nopa, Ric Paper Scissors and many others. See the full list of New Deal partners.

This extra few days leaves hope that a bigger $1.9 million relief package for Chinatown might get passed by the city and provide a reprieve for the restaurant. If not, the Chronicle reports that the Far East Cafe will permanently close.

The legislation, if passed by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, would would pay Chinatown restaurants to cook meals for older adults and families in need who are living in SROs (single room occupancy) hotels.

Read more at SF Chronicle