For Once, Your Favorite Mission Bar Is Not About to Close | Eater SF

"On the corner of 17th and Guerrero in the Mission, the classic dive bar alerted neighbors when owner Ali Razavi filed for a zoning variance to split the 2,800-foot lot the bar sits on into two parcels; Razavi and permit consultant Jeremy Paul say the move is intended to enable refinancing to keep the temporarily shuttered, historic bar afloat after nearly a year of COVID-related closure. Razavi, who bought the bar and building in 2018 for $3 million and says he sold his house to help restore it, insists the change is for internal financing and that there are no plans to close, remodel, gut, or convert the bar into condos, while Paul notes the city's historic-building rules would limit radical alterations. Longtime bartender Don Hodge (25 years) and neighbors emphasize the 500 Club’s role as a community anchor—providing consistency, serving as an unofficial teachers’ lounge for nearby school staff—and regulars like Lydia Green warn that losing it would be "absolutely devastating." A remote variance hearing was scheduled for January 27." - Adam Brinklow