Ortega Enterprises is the new vendor that is taking over management of the Stow Lake Boathouse concession in Golden Gate Park. They launched a new website recently at stowlakeboathouse.com that includes details on the new cafe, planned improvements to the boathouse, and the new fleet of boats that will hit the lake.
For boathouse improvements, they’re planning to add a new indoor café that will seat 32 to 36 guests (“The goal is to let visitors recall the historical importance of where they are while providing a relaxed environment in which they can enjoy a snack and beverage lakeside.”), repair and replace the roof, and repair and restore the windows and sills on the boathouse.
The new floorplan for the Stow Lake boathouse
The cafe page mentions “When possible we source our ingredients locally in order to offer visitors access to organic and sustainable food that is healthy for people and for the environment.” The favorite classics, like pink popcorn, will still be available. No menu has been posted yet.
The new owners will also introduce a brand new fleet of rental boats on the lake. “Our fleet of American-made boats includes rowboats, electric boats, and pedal boats that seat from one to four boaters. All motorboats, including the support boat, are electric powered and silently glide across the serene waters of Stow Lake.” Don’t worry, no gas-powered boats will be permitted on the lake. We’ve got our fingers crossed that some of the new pedal boats are swan boats!
No word on the website as to when exactly all these improvements will be completed or when the new fleet will hit the water. But EaterSF reports that the Boathouse café will open this Thursday.
If you get a chance to stop in, leave a comment to let us know what you think!
Sarah B.
BIttersweet, but really hope they continue to honor the ‘intangibles’ of such a storied establishment. I never even knew who owned the boathouse, until it became political. All I really cared about was passing on the history shared by 3+ generations of Pink Popcorn and feeding ducks.
“Bittersweet” is the perfect word. There are many others that could be used about how all this was arranged. I understand aspects of this are still in court. I, for one, thought the old place was an embarrassment and the spot clearly deserved to offer better hospitality. BUT….
Why am I strongly suspecting that a cup of coffee will be $5…and that the only food offered will be so politically correct that ever bite will be $3 or more?
Is it wrong that I wonder if there will be beer & wine? Even though I know it will be crazy expensive if they do…