Sunset Shoe Repair 

By John Oppenheimer

The Sunset District in San Francisco is a neighborhood rich in history. Sunset Shoe Repair is an example of one such business that has been operating for more than 110 years, making it the oldest business around. 

Tony Kamely is the fifth and current owner. He took it over in 2013 when the Salvador family got out of the business. Tony emigrated to the U.S. in 2005. He first opened a shoe repair business in Concord in 2010 prior to moving it into its current location. 

“Nobody learns this business anymore,” Kamely said. “Several shoe repair shops have closed in recent years.” 

Tony is going stronger than ever. 

Despite spending approximately 60 hours a week in his store, Kamely is anything but burned out. He works with his assistant, Eladio, who has been with the shop for some 40 years. 

“I love my job,” he said. “I love to do things. I don’t like to stay home. For what?” 

One of the funniest aspects of the business is when a customer brings in a cheap $40 pair of shoes and I can only charge $15 to repair them.” 

Sunset Shoe Repair is located at 621 Irving St. and is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 415-661-8259.