Join us today to celebrate the opening of two North Beach businesses! 

Two New Small Businesses Bring New Life to Storied Block of Columbus Avenue in North Beach

Public Is Invited to Ribbon-Cutting with Business Owners, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, and North Beach Business Association on Friday, Feb. 28 at 3pm

Helping to activate San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood, two new restaurants will hold ribbon-cuttings at 3pm on Friday, February 28, with San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin and representatives from the North Beach Business Association.

The two businesses -- Il Cilentano (579 Columbus Ave.) and North Beach Gyros (561 Columbus Ave.) -- are bringing new energy to a key stretch of Columbus Avenue near Union Street.

The locally owned restaurants fill formerly vacant storefronts in a highly visible corridor adjacent to Washington Square Park in San Francisco’s iconic North Beach neighborhood. Each restaurant accommodates approximately 50 patrons and are already welcoming customers. In the last year, in the wake of data showing an uptick in storefront vacancies in North Beach, the community has welcomed approximately 19 new small businesses to the neighborhood.

Il Cilentano owner-chef Santo Esposito says he’s “an old-style operator including making the pizza dough by hand, myself.” A 24-year North Beach resident, Santo opened his affordable bistro with full Italian comfort food menu and bar on Valentine’s Day.

North Beach Gyros is relocating from its previous location at 701 Union St. It opened earlier this week and has expanded with beer, wine and TVs for watching sporting events. “We’ve got a great following from serving great gyros for over six years and look forward to serving even more people at this great North Beach space,” said owner Apo Kaplan.

“I’m delighted to see these restaurants open up on one of the city’s most beautiful corridors, and I hope the community comes out in force to support them,” said District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin. “It’s further proof that when good landlords like Ron Fong and new businesses come to the table, the entire neighborhood succeeds.” 

WHAT: Ribbon-cutting for Il Cilentano, an Italian restaurant and wine bar, 579 Columbus Ave., and North Beach Gyros, a Mediterranean gyros shop, 561 Columbus Ave.

WHEN: 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2020

WHERE: Il Cilentano, 579 Columbus, then North Beach Gyros, 561 Columbus.

WHO:

-- District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin

-- Il Cilentano owner-chef Santo Esposito

-- North Beach Gyros’ owner Apo Kaplan

-- Maven Properties’ broker Santino DeRose, which arranged the two leases

-- Danny Machiarini, President, North Beach Business Association