We got word this week of two businesses on or near Clement Street that are closing their doors.
Inside Scoop SF first reported on the closure of Prime Rib Shabu (305 5th Avenue), a well-reviewed restaurant from star chef Luke Sung (formerly of Isa fame) that opened in late 2009.
The good news is that the 305 8th Avenue won’t be empty for too long. A sign in the window indicates a new eatery will be moving in called Cajun House Louisiana Crawfish.
Cherish (115 Clement), a retail store that offers “cards, invitations, scrapbooking, studio”, is also closing its doors. It sent out an email saying they had lost their lease, and as a result, are hosting a final 40% off sale.
RichmondSFblog reader Susan forwarded us the email, saying “we’re losing a great shop on Clement”. No word on whether Cherish will re-open elsewhere or who will take over the 115 Clement Street space.
Sarah B.
The address for Shabu Shabu is actually on 5th ave.
I’m puzzled by a landlord on Clement that would not renew a good business’s lease…. it’s not like there are businesses lined up trying to get in, and since the neighboorhood won’t allow chains, we’re left with lots of empty storefronts……….. I enjoy both Chestnut & Union for the mix of businesses, both local & corporate, that offer a multitude of products and services.
Thanks, Derek!
Oh no! Cherish is so awesome, I love getting my cards there. I hope they reopen elsewhere…
In response to Susan,
I prefer Clement St to Union or Chestnut because of its true neighborhood character. Union and Chestnut shopping streets feel generic in comparison. But it should be pointed out that perhaps the comparison is unfair since Chestnut & Union have a more affluent (and homogenous) constituency.
I agree with the puzzlement of a landlord not renewing a business lease, though I suspect Cherish wasn’t doing so well financially.
According to today’s SF Gate, rent’s in San Francisco are up 15% over last year and maybe a greedy landlord is trying to cash in.
Mmm, crawfish and Cajun food.
I suspect “would not renew the lease” actually meant “would not renew at any rent the tenant could afford.” I know of two businesses (not these two) that had to close because their landlords would only renew the leases at a new rent that was 4 to 6 times the old rent. These two businesses simply couldn’t afford that. One of the spaces stood vacant for more than a year waiting for a new tenant who could afford the higher rent.
I don’t get this but it does seem like landlords do this sometimes — does anyone around the board know any commercial landlords who could explain this?
that’s what happened to Namu. A darn shame to lose great stores, restaurants etc.
Hmm, where did an all you can eat for $26 restaurant go wrong??
The people at Cherish really worked at getting community involvement with their workshops and classes. It’s a shame that things didn’t work out. I too hope they find another place for business.
I enjoyed Shabu too. I suppose having to close for months and months for repairs (ADA threat?) didn’t help.