You know you can trust word on the street when it comes from, well, the street. One Polk Street business owner recently shared on her Facebook page that she’s “really, really excited a salad bar is finally coming to Polk Street . . . Blue Barn.” Apparently a neighboring business owner told her it’s going into the former Jade Snow Wong Travel Space at 2424 Polk St., which would make sense, as the location has had kraft paper covering the windows lately and seems to be under construction. But, the new Blue Barn Gourmet (second to a Marina location) is also rumored to be opening at 2238 Polk St, the former address of that seriously over-priced catering place, Aimee, Andrew & Co., which is already set up for a kitchen — did I mention I’m glad they closed?
I’m excited for the possibility of having more yummy salads on Polk, but wary of the street becoming too franchise-ridden. One commenter wrote, “Now all we need is a Chow and a Plant and we’ll be good.” Eek! Or how about all we need is an adorably cute and delicious café that’s one-of-a-kind and unique to our already unique neighborhood? That sounds better to me.
Anyone got any more scoop on Blue Barn moo-ving in to Russian Hill?
We need more places to eat and less fratboys. That would be a nice start. I was seriously thinking about opening up a poboys and philly cheesesteak pop-up eatery until I realized who my clientele would be. Puke. I’m looking around Cal & Polk instead.
Hey Polk Sheet,
I think the area is in not real threat of too many franchises… I have never been to Plant so I am not sure what that woman is talking about, but as a shop/ business owner on Polk, you start to welcome any business that brings attention to the area… There are so many empty store fronts right now… I can think of six on the street north of Broadway, The last year has been tough and it has been a drag only having a drycleaner or a nail place move-in, or a depressing sunglasses shop… we all welcome a new salad place that is trendy. Perhaps if you walk around and talk to the shop owners around here, you would find that they have the same sentiments… with that in mind, already Leopold’s has brought a boost to the area, but not for the stores reliant on day-time traffic.
Cheers.
Hi Michelle!
Very valid points. I do agree any business is better than none! It’s amazing what Leopold’s has done for the neighborhood – it’s packed every night! I also think there is a need for lunch places. There’s not much to choose from besides La Boulange and Crave, which have never been my favorites. And yes, that sunglass shop is totally depressing – I miss Swallowtail!
Thanks for commenting : )
That’s a tough stretch of Polk Street for any business to be successful. Anything north of Union is dicey. The “action” is south of Union and a lot of “chain” operations probably don’t realize that. Leopold’s is right on the edge and surviving becuase it’s run by locals who have a following. Those folks aren’t heading north after dinner, they’re going south.