Western Addition / Fillmore Small Business Merchant Walk

Western Addition:
San Francisco's Western Addition is a historically diverse district, having been the center for cultural, political, and musical movements for generations. Its origin dates back to the 1860s, when San Francisco's population was rapidly growing and demanded for city expansion. Thus, hundreds of city blocks were designated to form the appropriately named, Western Addition. Since then, the Western Addition has been the host to many movements and small businesses dedicated to keeping their culture alive.

Home to the Fillmore district, a jazz, blues and rock hub since the 1950s, contributing to the musical genres' mainstream success with the 1967 Summer of Love. Located here is the historic Fillmore Theater, where local artists, such as the Grateful Dead and Bill Graham once debuted and continue to host a wide range of acts today. The Western Addition continues to be passionate for music as showcased through their musical events such as the annual Fillmore St. Jazz festival or Western Addition music festival.

The Western Addition has also been a prominent location for political and social justice movements to take place. It was here that Willie Brown began his political career when he won his bid for California's 18th Assembly District, ultimately contributing to his eventual position as San Francisco's Mayor from 1996 to 2004. The Black Panther party had also found solidarity within the western addition as their headquarters was once located on Fillmore Street. Although the Western Addition may not look the same as it once did, it is still alive and well as it is one of the city's finest neighborhoods, a place where residents and visitors alike can explore, shop and have fun.

 
The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is delighted to invite you to our upcoming Western Addition/Fillmore Merchant Walk on December 2^nd at 3:30 pm for a chance to get to know and support some amazing small businesses. Together, we will visit 4 small businesses to provide our entrepreneurs and leaders an opportunity to explore, support, and network with one another.


Below is the tentative itinerary:  

3:30 pm | JANE the Bakery | 1881 Geary Blvd.
> Jane the Bakery since 2011, Amanda Michael founded JANE to explore her passion for pastries and people. With decades of experience, Amanda has created a lively establishment offering homemade pastries with fresh ingredients. Here you will find delicious breads from their own life and offers catering services for your event needs. 

4:00 - 4:30 pm | Boom Boom Room | 1601 Fillmore Street
> Located in the historical jazz center, San Francisco's Boom Boom Room, is home to Blues, Boogie, Soul, Groove & Funk. Opened in 1933 as Jack?s Tavern, this establishment has evolved into the musical icon that it is today. This sultry, welcoming club provides amazing cocktails, and live dancing as they pride themselves in their talented entertainment

4:30 - 5:00 pm | Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream Shop | 1470 Fillmore Street
> Tom Bennett, Owner of Fillmore's Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream Shop has been in business for almost 30 years! As San Francisco?s only Black-owned ice cream shop, the 84-year-old owner has cultivated a festive, loving, and supportive shop for the community. Miyako specializes in a variety of ice cream desserts and some offers lunch specials for those on the go. After being one of the few small businesses in this neighborhood to have survived the pandemic, this shop is a hidden gem that we should indulge in more often.

5:00 - 6:30 pm | Sheba Piano Lounge | 1419 Fillmore Street | Networking Session
> Owned by sisters Israel and Net Alemayehu, Sheba Piano Lounge is an intimate bar and lounge where you can enjoy live music, a sultry environment, and authentic Ethiopian food.  Inspired by their familial history, a wall built to resemble the rock-cut Bet Giorgis church in Lalibeia, Ethiopia is displayed in the center of their establishment. Enjoy a relaxing ambiance complete with walls hand-painted in rich tropical tones, and fireside seating.