St. Francis Fountain
Diner · Mission ·
Classic soda fountain: diner fare, milkshakes, vintage candy
Classic soda fountain: diner fare, milkshakes, vintage candy
"I note that the ice cream shop’s name pays homage to a San Francisco diner called St. Francis Fountain that Mello, his brother, and his sister-in-law used to frequent on weekends; Mello and VanDeventer met in San Francisco, and Mello’s family members are now partners in the ice cream business." - Janey Wong
"One of San Francisco’s oldest restaurants, St. Francis Fountain at 2801 24th Street in the Mission is on the cusp of being sold and is currently under escrow with the sale expected to close next week; current owners Levon Kazarian and Peter Hood will pass the torch to Mantakarn Seenin, a first-time owner who has worked at San Francisco restaurants including Mama’s on Washington Square. I note the spot’s retro decor and menu of ice cream, sodas, and breakfast staples, and that it has been listed on the city’s Legacy Business Registry for years—meaning the new owner won’t have leeway to change much about the physical features, business model, or general traditions if they want to remain in the program, though that listing can provide potential access to grant money and more favorable lease terms." - Lauren Saria
"I learned that this 24th Street soda fountain and sweets shop — a designated legacy business that opened in 1918 — is up for sale for $350,000 but will remain open during the transition; owners Levon Kazarian and Peter Hood, who have run the location for 20 years, hope a new owner will bring back the business’s famous peanut brittle and “take the soda fountain thing very seriously.” Much of the old-school space and facade still feature fixtures dating to a 1949 renovation done by the Christakes family, who ran the shop for three generations after emigrating from Sparta, Greece." - Paolo Bicchieri
"This classic greasy spoon has been in the exact same location since 1918 though it underwent a top-to-bottom restoration in 2002 to give the retro signage, a flashing neon sign, and vinyl booths the love they deserve. The menu has everything you'd expect from a diner, yet somehow the sandwiches, soups, and salads seem surprisingly light, not greasy (lots of vegan options, too). Even if you don't stay for a full meal, order a shake or a sundae at the counter—both are served old school with whipped cream and a cherry on top. "
"Few threatened restaurant closures shook me more deeply than that of the St. Francis Fountain, San Francisco’s oldest ice cream parlor and my favorite place to go any time I have to pay a visit to San Francisco General Hospital (it’s just down the street)." - Eater Staff
