Discover San Francisco's iconic, long-standing businesses

Find Legacy Businesses by business type, neighborhood, or business name

Become a Legacy Business

Long-standing small businesses can join the Registry for recognition, marketing and business help, and grants.

 

Apply to join the Legacy Business Registry.

 

Check the status of your Legacy Business Registry application.

 

Resources for Legacy Businesses

Promote being on the Legacy Business Registry.

 

Apply for a Rent Stabilization Grant.

 

Become a City Supplier so you can get money from the City. This includes grants and contracts.

 

See legislation that supports Legacy Businesses.

Visit Legacy Businesses

Find Legacy Businesses by business type, neighborhood, or business name.

 

Discover perfect Legacy Business days. Pick your neighborhood and experience San Francisco through its Legacy Businesses!

 

Some Legacy Businesses are compliant Suppliers that can do business with City departments. See the list of Legacy Business City Suppliers.

 

Benefits to becoming a Legacy Business

Marketing and promotion

Marketing and promotion
  • Legacy Businesses are added to the Legacy Business Registry website.
  • Legacy Businesses receive branded certificates, window clings, stickers, and lapel pins.
  • Select media about Legacy Businesses are included on the Press webpage.
  • The Office of Small Business may highlight Legacy Businesses on XFacebook, and/or YouTube. See social media posts at #SFLegacyBiz.
  • Several neighborhoods are featured in self-guided walking tours: Discover perfect Legacy Business days.
  • Heritage Happy Hour occurs on the second Thursday of every month from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at a different Legacy Business.
  • The Legacy Business Program has an annual Legacy Business Mixer during Small Business Week in May.
  • Legacy Businesses receive the quarterly newsletter Legacy Business Light. See Office of Small Business News.
  • Marketing Portal: Promote being on the Legacy Business Registry.

Business assistance

Business assistance
  • Legacy Businesses can contact the Legacy Business Program for questions or assistance regarding finances, grant applications, legal, marketing, real estate, zoning, succession planning, or other business challenges. We’ll guide you to the right people who can help you.
  • The Legacy Business Program may advocate for Legacy Business when needed and appropriate.
  • Being a Legacy Business could provide extra needed attention to your business.

Grants

Grants

The Rent Stabilization Grant is an incentive for landlords to provide long-term leases to Legacy Businesses: Apply for a Rent Stabilization Grant.

drawing of a 50's style diner
Perfect Legacy Business Day in the Marina

The Marina is known for its stylish boutiques, numerous dining options, engaging nightlife, and iconic views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

 

1. Start your tour with brunch at Balboa Cafe, a local favorite serving up the classics. Enjoy salads, brunch entrées, sweet options, shareables, sides, and their “Famous Balboa Mary.”

 

2. Head north on Fillmore Street and west on Chestnut Street. Browse the many shops and make sure not to miss Fireside Camera, San Francisco's oldest independent camera store. This is the place to go for all your photographic needs, including an excellent selection of new and used equipment.

 

3. California Wine Merchant is a wine shop, wine bar, and wine club specializing in small California producers. They carry old favorites as well as new, undiscovered gems that you won't find in a typical wine shop or bar. Sip on a glass and purchase a bottle to take home as a delightful souvenir.

 

4. Your full-service bookstore in the Marina, Books Inc., is the spot to go for books, toys, cards, and gifts. Take your time exploring the shelves, and perhaps find a hidden literary gem to accompany you on the rest of your journey.

 

5. Refuel at one of three options: Little Original Joe's offers a menu of hearty lunch options, from classic Italian dishes to American comfort food. Marina Supermarket crafts fresh homemade sandwiches and salads, providing a perfect option for a quick and delicious lunch on the go. Lucca Delicatessen, the "tastiest little deli in the world," serves up made-to-order sandwiches with the finest ingredients, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

 

6. Stroll to the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, connecting people with arts and culture on a historic waterfront campus. Check out FLAX Art & Design for an unbeatable range of materials to inspire your creativity, including art and craft supplies and terrific gifts for all the creatives in your life.

 

7. Head to Valentino Market for refreshments at “the best corner market in the West.” As you continue along Union Street, explore an array of shops, from boutiques to specialty stores, creating a delightful and leisurely shopping experience.

 

8. Try one of two excellent restaurants for dinner: Brazen Head Restaurant & Public House, renowned for their intimate and cozy atmosphere, is a favorite among San Francisco natives and visitors alike for their outstanding food, drinks, and local flavors. Perry's serves classic American food and is known for their warm, personable service and bustling bar. The blend of comfort food with a touch of sophistication makes it a popular choice for those seeking a memorable dining experience.

 

9. Conclude your day at The Blue Light, a popular spot for drinks and socializing. They have live music every Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and live DJs all weekend long. Enjoy a welcoming and warm atmosphere and a variety of beverages, and perhaps share stories from your day of exploration.

 

Other Legacy Businesses in Marina, Fort Mason, and Union St.: 

Blue Bear School of Music

Fanta Cleaners Inc. aka Clover Green Cleaners

Izzy's Steakhouse (reopening in the summer of 2024)

St. John Coltrane Church

Teevan Company

 

Heritage Happy Hour: Thursday, April 11 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Join us at The Plough and the Stars located at 116 Clement St. in the Inner Richmond for the next Heritage Happy Hour, a monthly “no-host” event for anyone interested in celebrating SF's architectural and cultural identity. Let’s all raise a glass to the Legacy Businesses that keep our city special!

About

The Legacy Business Program is for businesses 30+ years old that add to San Francisco's culture. Legacy Businesses can get marketing help, business support, and grants. It is the first program of its kind in the United States. Contact us at (415) 554-6680 or legacybusiness@sfgov.org.

Businesses of all ages can get help from our Office of Small Business. Monday-Friday, 9am-noon and 1pm-5pm at (415) 554-6134 or sfosb@sfgov.org.