Our Story
At Pork Store Cafe, we are more than just a place to eat. We are a living testament to a century of tradition, family heritage, and a journey that started in 1916.
Chapter One: A Sausage Place and Butcher Shop In 1916, an immigrant couple from Czechoslovakia arrived in the United States with a dream in their hearts. They opened the original Haight Street Pork Store, a humble establishment that began as a sausage place and butcher shop. This was the foundation of our legacy.
Chapter Two: The Italian Stained Glass In 1925, we added a touch of artistry to our story. The family imported stained glass from Italy to create our iconic Pork Store logo. This beautifully crafted stained glass was carefully placed above our front entrance, becoming a symbol of who we are and what we stand for. The metal bending for this artistry took place on the streets of San Francisco.
Chapter Three: Passing the Torch In the 1940s, the original proprietors passed the business on to their grandsons. They ran the Pork Store until the early 1950s, preserving our traditions while evolving with the times.
Chapter Four: The Hidden Years The 1950s marked a period when the Pork Store sign was covered but never removed. It was during this time that the Three Coin Cafe was born. As the years passed, various businesses occupied our location, from hair salons to coffee shops. This was the era of the Hippie movement, and the cafe's unique character flourished.
Chapter Five: Unveiling the Treasure In the early 1960s, Vic's coffee shop became a part of our history. Later, an Armenian family opened Raffies Lebanese Cuisine, which operated here until 1979. It was when they left that a revelation occurred - wooden boards were removed, unveiling the preserved stained glass and the original Pork Store sign. The discovery of these treasures marked the rebirth of the Pork Store Cafe.
Chapter Six: A Distinguished Breakfast Institution Today, Pork Store Cafe stands as a distinguished breakfast institution in San Francisco. For 24 years, we have been a part of the city's culinary heritage. This legacy is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our captain, Nadia, who steered our ship for 15 years, adding her unique personal touches to our menu. Servando, our right-hand cook, with his Mex-Tex background, has spiced up our food and added an extra layer of flavor to our offerings.
Chapter Seven: Expanding Our Horizons In 2003, we opened a new location as the second Pork Store in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, further expanding our presence and commitment to serving exceptional breakfast.
Our story is one of resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to delivering a taste of tradition. We invite you to join us, experience our rich history, and become a part of the legacy that is Pork Store Cafe. It's more than a meal; it's a journey through time and a piece of San Francisco's heart and soul.
