The culinary community of San Francisco is experiencing significant shockwaves as two of its most beloved eateries, HRD Coffee Shop and Aux Delices, are shutting their doors. HRD Coffee Shop, a fusion eatery with humble beginnings, and Aux Delices, a long-standing Vietnamese restaurant, have been pivotal to the city’s diverse food culture, attracting locals and tourists alike. The announced closures have left their faithful patrons reminiscing over shared memories and unforgettable meals.
HRD Coffee Shop: From Postwar Serving Spot to Fusion Favorite
The HRD Coffee Shop, which started as a breakfast spot serving government employees in the postwar period, has announced its impending closure this Friday. Sydney Saidyan, owner of the restaurant through the Saidyan Group, revealed to The Standard that despite the eatery’s success catering to local sports teams and Fortune 1000 companies like Salesforce, mounting operational challenges have made continuing the business unsustainable. Among the issues were disputes with the state over taxes, problems with Recology over dumping, and disturbances from a nearby homeless encampment.
Key points about HRD Coffee Shop: HRD Coffee Shop was initially a breakfast place serving government employees. It expanded to become a fusion eatery featured on Food Network and catered to notable organizations like Salesforce and the San Francisco Giants. Despite the successes, mounting operational challenges, including a lack of support from the city and the landlord, have led to its impending closure.
Aux Delices: Vietnamese Delights for Over Three Decades
Simultaneously, Aux Delices, a Vietnamese restaurant cherished for its home-style cuisine and Asian fusion dishes, will also be closing after 36 years of operation. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Chris and Thiet Nguyen, the current owners of the restaurant, have decided to retire, hence the closure. Originally established in 1975 by Sinh Luong, Chris’s mother, in Potrero Hill, Aux Delices has become a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine in the city, and its absence will be felt deeply within the culinary community.
Key points about Aux Delices: Aux Delices has been a part of San Francisco’s dining scene for over three decades, serving home-style Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant was known for its refined setting and Asian fusion dishes. The current owners have decided to retire, leading to the closure of the restaurant.
Future Prospects
Although both establishments are closing, their legacies within San Francisco’s vibrant dining scene are far from forgotten. Sydney Saidyan of HRD Coffee Shop expressed interest in possibly relocating to other Bay Area locations, stating that a fresh leadership approach and support from the city would be necessary to reopen the business. Meanwhile, the Nguyen family’s impact on the city’s Vietnamese culinary scene through Aux Delices is a testament to the diversity and resilience of San Francisco’s gastronomy.
As we bid farewell to these institutions, we also look forward to the new and exciting culinary ventures that will continue to shape the city’s dynamic food culture in their absence.
Impact of Closures
The closures of both HRD Coffee Shop and Aux Delices mark the end of an era in San Francisco’s diverse culinary scene. Saidyan’s HRD, with its fusion approach, has been an integral part of the city’s gastronomy for nearly seven decades. Its innovative blend of Chinese and Mexican cuisine, with popular offerings like burritos, wraps, bowls, and platters, has not only catered to locals but also attracted a wide range of customers, including celebrities and corporate clients.
Customer Reactions
Understandably, the news of the closures has been met with an outpouring of support and nostalgia from customers. Saidyan spoke about the heartwarming reaction from HRD’s longtime patrons, expressing appreciation for the memories and good times shared at the eatery: “Every customer that’s come there, they have given me hugs. They have said thank you. They have said, ‘You did more than enough for us.'”
Looking Ahead
In the wake of these closures, San Francisco’s food scene is at a crossroads. It’s a time for reflection on the city’s culinary history and also an opportunity for new beginnings. The city’s ability to cultivate and support a diverse array of dining options will be key to maintaining its reputation as a food lover’s paradise. For now, the city bids adieu to HRD Coffee Shop and Aux Delices, honoring the indelible mark they’ve left on its culinary heritage.
