By Ellen Eason

Inner Sunset Business Updates

Pacific Catch is enhancing its Tiki Terrace with new tropical décor and putting the finishing touches on a seasonal fall menu. Inspired by flavors of the Pacific, the restaurant focuses on sustainably sourced seafood. Stop in for the daily Aloha Hour as well as half-priced wine on Tuesdays. Pacific Catch is at Lincoln Way and Ninth Avenue.

Sunset Mercantile Emporium recently welcomed new makers and merchants to its collective. A new offering at the Emporium, invented by neighborhood residents Aaron and Cat Fluss, the D.A.T. Game has players roll the dice and then “Do, Ask or Tell” prompts on a card. Other new features include: handblown glass and ceramics by local artists; crocheted toys and items by SJ Elowen Studio; carnivorous plants from Las Selvas nursery and Turkish textiles imported by Celine. Check out these new wares at Irving Street and Eighth Avenue.

EverBank is the new financial center at 825 Irving St., following a merger with Sterling Bank. The bank offers a range of personal banking solutions including checking, money market and CDs.

Neighborhood Feature: Visit Green Apple Books on the Park for a Curated Local Experience

“A beacon for lovers of books and music” is how Green Apple Books on the Park Manager Nick Cuzzi describes the unique local store on Ninth Avenue right by Golden Gate Park.

“The staff and store really care about what we offer here,” they said. “We want people to feel reflected on our shelves, to see themselves in the aisles, spend time here to make connections with great literary and visual art and meet other community members.”

Green Apple creates an experience that can’t be found online or at chain stores.

“Here you get to talk to real booksellers and readers about what you’re interested in,” Cuzzi said. “You get to pick up the books and hold them, open them, read a few pages and really try to see if it activates and connects with you. You get to steal a moment for yourself and discover something new.”

The knowledgeable staff’s curation, dedication and discernment lead readers to their next favorite quote, chapter or entire book. Selections are curated to reflect the community’s tastes and interests.

“Our customers, our regulars, even new visitors who fall in love with our store – they are the spirit of our store,” Cuzzi added. “Our bestsellers’ displays aren’t bestsellers from around the nation or from the New York Times. They are the bestsellers from our direct community.”

Browsers will be delighted by local art from studios like Pelican Press and 3 Fish that depicts San Francisco’s streets, beaches, houses and more.

“Bookstores exist as a collaborative process. Our customers help build the store with their input, taste and decisions – and we get to continue serving them as a space to acquire beautiful artifacts,” Cuzzi said.

Green Apple presents several events every week with eclectic authors. Writers and fans enjoy hearing the story behind the story and get to ask questions about the writing process. See event listings at greenapplebooks.com.

The store’s expansive children’s section is a perfect place for choosing gifts.

“One thing I always tell people is that it’s better to get a book a kid can grow into rather than out of quickly. We have a large selection for kids and young adults alike,” Cuzzi said.

Green Apple Books on the Park celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024. The original location opened in the Richmond District in 1967 and is a San Francisco legacy business.

Longtime Businesses Exude Charm and Character

The distinctive charm and character of the Inner Sunset is enriched by its many longtime establishments. These beloved businesses foster a sense of belonging and provide places for gathering, finding unique products and making memories.

Four Inner Sunset entities are designated as legacy businesses by the San Francisco Office of Small Business: Ambiance, Green Apple Books, Peasant Pies and San Francisco Women Artists. The City’s Legacy Business Program promotes and supports the small business community, recognizing businesses that have operated for more than 30 years and contribute to the City’s history and identity.

• Ambiance, on Irving and Ninth, has offered stylish women’s clothing and accessories since 1983 and has earned multiple “best boutique” awards.

• Founded in 1993, Peasant Pies, on Irving at 12th, specializes in hand-held savory and sweet pies inspired by 18th-century fishermen, coal miners and shepherds, who would cook stews overnight and then bake them in a dough pocket in the morning to take to work for lunch.

• Celebrating its centennial this year, San Francisco Women Artists, on Irving at Eighth, is a historic non-profit arts organization that supports women in the arts and encourages aspiring artists. Its Irving Street gallery exhibits and sells contemporary art, hand-crafted jewelry, sculpture and ceramics.

Besides official legacy businesses, many other longtime businesses grace the neighborhood. The Little Shamrock on Lincoln near Ninth Avenue is the Sunset’s oldest business and is the City’s second-oldest bar, serving drinks in the same location since 1893. It was first opened to serve thirsty workmen who were creating the Midwinter Fair in Golden Gate Park. Patrons enjoy Irish coffee, drafts of Guinness, cocktails and conversation in a cozy atmosphere.

Lavash proprietors Saeed and Naziila Talai serve delectable Persian cuisine and have been restaurateurs in the Inner Sunset for 47 years. Other long-established restaurants in the neighborhood include Cybelle’s Front Room (47 years), Ebisu (40+ years), Pasquale’s Pizzeria (64 years) and Yellow Submarine (54 years). On the Run has fitted generations with running shoes and comfortable footwear since 1977. Founded in 1978, The Flower Girl creates stunning floral designs, while Pierre’s Autobody has offered expert repairs since 1967.

The Inner Sunset Merchants’ Association is the voice of our neighborhood’s business community. It is an all-volunteer, nonprofit association committed to supporting, promoting and advocating for the needs of our local business community. It welcomes new merchants into our neighborhood and works hard to drive new business to our growing community. Learn more at innersunsetmerchants.org.

Ellen Eason is a writer and Inner Sunset resident.