Three Stalled San Francisco Restaurant Projects Race to Reopen First

Three high-profile San Francisco restaurant projects remain stuck in development limbo, prompting local food enthusiasts to speculate which will open first: the iconic Cliff House, the historic Anchor Brewing facility, or the city’s first Jollibee location.

The Cliff House, the landmark restaurant near Land’s End, has remained shuttered since 2020. The venue operated from its third location since 1909, attracting tourists and diners seeking panoramic city views on National Park Service grounds.

Alexander Leff, the operator selected by the parks service, holds rights to the space but must pay a fee to the nonprofit Western Neighborhoods Project for permission to use the Cliff House name, according to a local news report. Leff told reporters in September that renovating the property will require at least $10 million, though he planned to open the first of three restaurants at the site this year. Recent attempts to contact Leff have been unsuccessful.

Anchor Brewing presents another restoration challenge. The brewery operated for 127 years as the country’s oldest craft brewer before closing its Potrero Hill doors in 2023. The facility produced steam beer and other varieties until its sudden shutdown.

The billionaire founder of Chobani yogurt purchased the company less than a year after its closure, raising hopes for the brewery’s revival. In December, members of Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya’s team told reporters they still plan to reopen the facility, which includes both a brewhouse and taproom, but provided no timeline for the project. The team did not respond to more recent inquiries. The Anchor Brewing website currently describes the project as a “work in progress.”

The third contender, Jollibee, represents a different type of stalled opening. The Filipino fast-food chain has moved slowly in establishing its first San Francisco location on Market Street in the Mid-Market area.

The appearance of signage on the retail space last summer generated significant attention among local food fans, but progress has stalled in recent months. Jollibee’s website lists the location as “opening soon,” though a company spokesperson declined to provide specific details about the timeline.

Each project faces distinct challenges. The Cliff House must navigate federal property regulations and secure substantial renovation funding. Anchor Brewing requires rebuilding both its production capabilities and brand presence after a complete shutdown. Jollibee appears closest to completion but has encountered unexplained delays in a competitive fast-food market.

The three restaurants would serve different segments of San Francisco’s dining scene. The Cliff House traditionally catered to tourists and special occasion diners seeking scenic views. Anchor Brewing would appeal to craft beer enthusiasts and locals interested in the city’s brewing heritage. Jollibee targets Filipino food lovers and fast-food customers seeking alternatives to established chains.

San Francisco’s restaurant industry has faced significant challenges since 2020, with many establishments closing permanently or struggling to reopen. High commercial rents, labor shortages, and changing consumer habits have complicated recovery efforts across the city.

The stalled projects reflect broader difficulties in San Francisco’s commercial real estate market, where lengthy permitting processes and renovation costs often delay new openings. Each venue must also rebuild customer bases that may have shifted dining habits during extended closures.

Local food enthusiasts continue monitoring these developments closely, as each restaurant represents a different aspect of the city’s culinary identity. The eventual reopening sequence may indicate which types of dining concepts can most successfully navigate San Francisco’s current business environment.

The race among these three delayed projects highlights the complex factors affecting restaurant openings in San Francisco, from federal regulations and corporate restructuring to local permitting and market conditions.