PRESS RELEASE
San Francisco Small Business Commission honors fifteen new Legacy Businesses
From Kilowatt bar in the Mission to Tokaido Arts in Japantown to Shaws candy shop in West Portal, the latest additions to the Legacy Business Registry reflect the City’s diverse cultures and businesses.
On Monday, June 23rd 2025, the San Francisco Small Business Commission unanimously approved 11 business to the city’s Registry of longstanding, community-serving, and culturally vital businesses. This adds to the four businesses already added to the Legacy Business Registry since spring 2025.
The Board of Supervisors established this first-in-the-nation program in 2015, which officially recognizes and supports Legacy Businesses as essential to the city’s character and economy.
“San Francisco's iconic, locally owned businesses are the backbone of our city and our recovery depends on their success,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “The businesses added to the registry have contributed to our city's culture and vibrancy for decades and I'm thrilled to see them honored.”
“This year marks a decade since San Francisco established the Legacy Business Program and began formally recognizing the contributions of longstanding businesses,” said Cynthia Huie, President of the Small Business Commission. “This summer – whether you’re a long-time resident or first-time visitor – be sure to visit a Legacy Business and discover a piece of San Francisco’s history.” Find 10 self-guided Legacy Business Walks at sf.gov/perfect-legacy-business-days
Businesses recently added to the Legacy Business Registry include:
2944 16th St. and 2943 16th St.
A Chilean bakery renowned for its traditional empanadas, cakes, and “dulces chilenos” (pastries).
3881 24th St.
Since 1972, Haystack Pizza is a family-owned restaurant in Noe Valley.
3160 16th St.
Kilowatt is a multi-purpose community space that functions mainly as a live music venue and Bar.
3249 24th St. and 484 5th St.
La Victoria SF is a historic bakery located in the Mission District, specializing in traditional Mexican pan dulce (sweet bread) and other baked goods.
1322 Grant Ave.
Mo's Grill in North Beach is a casual restaurant known for its all natural, best grilled burger, like the "Belly Buster,” and diner staples such as steaks, ribs, pork chops, and pancakes.
595 5th Ave.
O’Keeffe’s Bar is a neighborhood Irish bar offering alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, and packaged snacks.
Phil’s Electric Company
2701 Lombard St.
Phil's Electric Company sells and repairs vacuum cleaners, vacuum parts, household supplies, and small appliances.
San Francisco Children’s Art Center
Fort Mason Center
San Francisco Children’s Art Center (SFCAC) is a non‐profit organization that provides visual arts instruction for San Francisco children ages 2‐10 years old.
122 West Portal Ave.
Shaws is a candy and ice cream store selling gourmet chocolates and truffles, handmade fudge, cotton candy, and an array of nostalgic confections and candy-related gifts.
3030 20th St.
Southern Exposure (“SoEx”) is an artist-centered nonprofit organization committed to supporting visual artists.
697 South Van Ness Ave.
Steppin’ Out is a studio for young people to learn dance in a nurturing atmosphere.
Studio on Chestnut
2233 Chestnut St.
Studio on Chestnut is a boutique that specializes in women’s wear. It offers clothing and accessories for leisure, travel, and specialty occasions.
581 Webster Street, Suite 203
Tokaido Arts is an art gallery that sells Japanese woodblock prints from the 18th century to the 21st century, as well as other fine Asian art.
Unity Mutual Benefit Association
548 Haight St.
Unity Mutual Benefit Association (UMBA) is a non-profit organization that owns and maintains a building at 548-552 Haight Street, which provides meeting space for its fraternal structure (Masons and Eastern Stars) as well as a rental hall for community use, private parties, and live music shows.
2244 Irving St. and 1556 Ocean Ave.
Win Long Hardware & Supply sells hardware, houseware, plumbing, electrical, paint, and various other do-it-yourself (DIY) home maintenance supplies. They also cut keys and do rekeying of locks.
About the Legacy Business Registry
A Legacy Business is a for-profit or nonprofit business that has operated in San Francisco for 30 or more years. The business must contribute to the neighborhood's history and/or the identity of a particular neighborhood or community, and it must commit to maintaining the physical features or traditions that define the business, including craft, culinary or art forms. If a business has operated in San Francisco for more than 20 years but less than 30 years, it may still be included in the Registry if the business otherwise faces a significant risk of displacement.
The registration process for the Legacy Business Program includes nomination by Mayor Daniel Lurie or a member of the Board of Supervisors, a written application, an advisory recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission, and approval of the Small Business Commission.
Inclusion on the Registry provides Legacy Businesses with recognition and support as an incentive for them to stay in the community. The program also provides educational and promotional assistance to encourage their continued viability and success in San Francisco.
The Legacy Business Program is managed through the Office of Small Business. For more information about the Legacy Business Program, including a list and map of businesses on the Legacy Business Registry, visit www.legacybusiness.org.