Interview: NoVY Owner Kristen MCaffery and Husband Mike Buy Noe's Cantina Space

When we heard The Basso family sold Noe's Cantina at 1199 Church St and a change of ownership of the liquor license was been posted, we tracked down the new owners who are no strangers to Noe Valley: Kristen McCaffery (née Gianaras) and her husband Mike McCaffery. You may recognize Kristen as one of the owners of NoVY and a lifelong Noe Valley resident. We were delighted to hear a local is taking over such a central restaurant space and can't wait to see it come to life.

Now that the building has closed escrow we can share what they have in mind for the space:

We understand you bought out the Noe’s Cantina restaurant and building. What are your plans for the space? Does the new restaurant have a name yet? Any changes to the layout?
Correct. We are in the very beginning stages of designing the space. We are working with ROY on the remodel and we had our first meeting with them this week! They are a firm run by two sisters (which I obviously love) and they have designed a number of our favorite restaurants (such as Beretta, Lolinda, Barzotto.) We have narrowed it down to two names and we hope to make a decision in the next week. We would like to use a family name. We don't plan on changing the layout but we want to create an atmosphere that is completely different from anything that's been in the space before.

Of all the vacant restaurant spaces in Noe Valley (Chez Marius, Pomelo, etc), what made you decide to buy Basso’s restaurant? 
There are a number of reasons that we love this space: We love that it is a corner building and it gets great light. We love it's proximity to the J-Church and all of the various tech bus pick-ups and drop-offs. We love that it has outdoor seating. We love that it has a liquor license. We love that it is only a short walk from our home and from NOVY. We love that it has a long history in the neighborhood under the Basso family and we hope to create our own long-lasting legacy in the space.

Who’s involved? You, your spouse - anyone else? Also, what name should we use for you? 
My husband, Mike McCaffery, and I are the sole owners (no other partners.) My legal name is Kristen McCaffery, but I still use my maiden name, Gianaras, around the 'hood.

What sort of food can we expect? And what dishes are you most excited about? 
We do not yet have a menu developed. Our rough concept is New American cuisine focusing on California and San Francisco favorites. There will be great proteins, salads, seasonal vegetables and a number of bar-appropriate bites. And, of course, we plan on ebbing and flowing with the feedback from the neighborhood!

Fresca and Cantina/Bassos have been the only places in NV that are friendly for kids and for tippling adults. Will you also keep the bar service? 
Definitely! There are so few options for a nice cocktail in Noe Valley and we intend on the bar program to be a main focus of the restaurant. We also want to capture the after work crowd with a great happy hour.

Will you have outdoor dining? All day dining? 
Yes, we will have outdoor dining. We will open with dinner service only. Down the road we will add brunch, then lunch. We also intend to open a quick-service pick-up window for to-go orders.

What’s your timeline for opening? 
We are aiming for a ~June opening, but we are willing to be flexible to get it right. Plus, we are due with our first child in April, so we want to carve out a period of time with our little one before the restaurant opens (we're trying to get ourselves nice and exhausted before jumping into this venture!).

California and San Francisco favorites, cocktails, bar bites and outdoor dining? Sounds like a great addition to the neighborhood. Here's looking forward to it.

[NVSF: Interview: Kristen Gianaras of NōVY Restaurant]
[EaterSF: Casual Mexican Restaurant With Local TV Star Power Opens in Noe Valley]
[NVSF: Announced: Horner's Corner Bar From One Of The Creators Of The Creamery]
[Photo: Mike and Kristen McCaffery in the old Noe's Cantina space. Credit: Kristen McCaffery]

NVV September 2018: We Read It So You Don't Have To

The Noe Valley Voice is published ten times a year and has been a neighborhood fixture since 1977. Here are notable highlights from the latest issue. Links are to stories we've covered here on NVSF or other resources. Follow the NVV link at the bottom for full articles and all the ads.

September 2018

Front Page: The new California Pacific Medical Center (formerly St. Luke's) on Cesar Chavez is now open and focusing on maternity and elder care; St. Philip School turns 80; Richard Lee Merritt died in 2017 and left a massive library of books in his 23rd St home to his alma mater, the University of Montana; Local author Mary Jo McConahay celebrates the publication of a new book.

Letters: Celia Sack, owner of Omnivore Books and Noe Pet Company writes about the unprofessional response of the president of the NVMPA complaining about the Healthy Spot permit rejection for a formula retail pet store that would compete with identical lively businesses in Noe Valley; The 2018 Noe Valley Garden Tour was a big success; Jim Burr suggests we welcome an Apple Mini store in the old Real Foods space on 24th St; A neighbor writes about traveling outside the Noe Valley bubble and having conversations about Trump; Another neighbor is disappointed that the article on the Noe Valley Coffee Company neglected to mention the health risks of roasting coffee in a residential area; Another neighbor calls for a boycott of McDonald's because of the way they mistreat chickens.

Cost of Living in Noe Valley: 33 Noe Valley homes changed hands in June and July, twice the number from that period last year.  The average cost of a home in July was $2.1 million.

Store Trek: Hi-Way Burger & Fry,  3853 24th St at Vicksburg

Rumors and Tidbits: The Real Foods building at 3939 24th St is under construction and looking for tenants for 3 retail spaces. Cole Hardware inquired about renting the whole space but balked at the $30,000 rent. The building sold recently to a private investment group for $3 million. Also on 24th: the Radio Shack space is asking $10,000/month, the Noe Valley Cyclery spot is asking $4850/month, Pete's Cleaners is asking $7590/month, and the Sean spot is asking $4500/month. Rabat is staying in Noe Valley after all (yay!) and Small Frys moved into the Podolls space for the next 2 years while they remodel the original building and store at 4066 24th St. Compass real estate is colonizing Noe Valley and now has 4 offices here. The Basso family is rejoining the restaurant scene and will open Noe's Cantina - a Mexican themed bar and eatery expected to open in October in the old Hamlet née Basso's. The old Bliss Bar will soon open as Vive La Tarte, which also has a location in the Ferry Building.

[The Noe Valley Voice]

A History Of One Irish Family In Noe Valley

We've received some great photos and stories in response to the announcement of Horner's Corner Bar, and have put people in touch with Ivor Bradley so he can share their history. We had asked him how he plans to balance the current tech culture with the heritage of "old Noe" being a haven for working class Irish and German families. It's a tricky proposition, and judging by the comments not everyone will be happy.

But hope also springs eternal. Longtime resident Jim Lynch sent a history of his family in San Francisco reminding us that Noe Valley isn't all Google Buses, double-wide strollers and Whole Foods parking lot drama.

Here's Jim's story, posted with his permission: 

Like Mr Bradley, I had 2 grand uncles (Michael & John Lynch) who came to Noe Valley from Gort, County Galway in 1907. Michael Lynch started a general contracting business (M.J. Lynch Construction) and his first jobs were concrete sidewalks. As was the custom, he would place his stamp in his work. Though they are getting scarcer due to ADA curb ramps and re-construction, they can still be found in the Noe Valley, and throughout the city. This is the oldest that I have found (in the Bernal at Aztec & Coso) but I have pictures of newer, more professional ones from the 1930's. Uncles Mike and John lived at 26th & Guerrero for decades. My grand uncles were bachelors well into their sixties. However, MJ married at age 67 to his girlfriend of 17 years, the daughter of a former member of the S.F. Board of Supervisors (1919 - 1930) - Charlie Powers, also a contractor, who lived at 26th and Church. Mike & Dorothy re-located to 20th & Noe.

My father and uncle came to SF in 1949 and also lived at 26th & Guerrero. Like many other Irish immigrants they went to work for M.J. Lynch. My uncle Paul owned an Irish bar (The Skyscraper) at 24th & Mission in the early 1960s. My dad met my mom (from County Leitrim) in S.F. They married in 1955 and raised their family in the Noe Valley until they died. My family currently lives on Duncan Street. So the Lynch family has been in Noe Valley since 1907.

We lived at Vicksburg & Elizabeth in the early 1960's and my Dad and other locals would meet at Noe's, but then it was called Doyle's (named after the owner at the time). My family knew the Forde's well, and like them, my sister (1), and brothers (3) grew up in the Noe, attended St. Paul's or St. Philip's. We worked in the Noe at Mitchell's Ice Cream, the original 24th Street Bell Market, and delivered the local newspapers. I retired from SFPD after 31 years in 2010, and 2 of my brothers are currently officers in the department.

I know a picture of concrete is unusual, but as they say every picture tells a story. This one is about Irish immigration to the Noe Valley in the last century, and a family fond of a great neighborhood. Many Irish Fled to the Sunset in the 50s and 60s, but some like the Fordes and the Lynches, knew a good thing, and stayed!

I wish Mr. Bradley and Dave (who always stops to treat my wheaten terrier - Mulligan) all the best on their new venture.

Slainte,

Jim Lynch

Announced: Horner's Corner Bar From One Of The Creators Of The Creamery

Rumors have been circulating for some time that Noe's Bar / Basso's has been sold. We've been searching for details, but no one was talking. The usual permit searches have come up negative. But then a few days ago we heard from Ivor Bradley announcing changes to come:

We are a local partnership team who are looking to reopen Noe's as a local neighborhood bar with good food, and we are calling it "Horner's Corner Bar" after John Horner, a historical figure from 1850 who purchased the surrounding area of Noe Valley from Jesus de la Noe in the mid 18th century. He's also known as the man with the plough, a father figure of California agriculture.

For the newbies, here's a brief history. Mr Bradley isn't new to the scene - he's part owner of the wildly successful The Creamery in SOMA. This time around, Mr Bradley wants to tap into the history of Noe Valley and display old photos and other tributes to the history of Noe Valley. He's consulted local historian Bill Yenne, but he'd also like your help (more on that in the interview below). 

We also asked Mr. Bradley for some more details on what to expect in the months (weeks!) ahead:

Are you the same Ivor Bradley who is associated with The Creamery? And if so, what have you learned from The Creamery that you think will resonate in Noe Valley?

Yes I am the same Ivor Bradley associated with the Iron Cactus & The Creamery, located at 683-685 4th St. Over the last 6 years I've learned a great deal in the course of developing both of these businesses in the Soma community. I have become an active member of the local business community, becoming involved in numerous charities and events, such as the Saint Vincent De Paul, The SF Aids Walk, The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, as well as the numerous school and event donations that occur throughout the year.

I believe that in opening our new business in Noe Valley we will be able to bring some of our core practices to our new venture: we use only the freshest ingredients and free range meats; our commitment to the local community and merchants will strengthen as we grow each year; our commitment to our staff and their families will allow us to build a strong team approach to service and quality; we will ensure that all labor codes and standards are adhered to as a respectable member of the business community; we will be initiating a long term business growth plan to ensure that we can cope during the different stages of our growth plan.

You stated you want to create “a local neighborhood Bar & Grill, for local residents and families to enjoy daily, with weeknights dinner, weekend brunch, and a great happy hour for all to enjoy “Tell us a bit about who you and your partners are.? Are you all local?

My grandfather's brother and his two sisters moved to Noe Valley from Galway, Ireland, in the mid 1930s,settled on Valley St, and continue to live there today. Pete Forde raised his sons there, and one of his sons Ricky Forde worked and retired from the Noe Valley fire station where he had served for many years.

I have been a San Francisco resident for the last 19 years. I live in Parkside, with my wife Sarah and our two children, Molly (7) and Michael (5). I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Business Management, and a Masters in Hospitality Management. I have managed neighborhood restaurants and worked with hotel companies in the city for over 12 years, before branching out to work on my own in 2007. I have worked for some of the best companies in the Bay area, such as McCormick & Kuletos, Real Restaurants, Kimpton restaurant group, Chow restaurant group, and the Four Seasons Hotel Group, gaining extensive Food & Beverage experience in my time with them in a management role.

In my spare time I am an active sportsman with many hobbies. I like to fish for trout and salmon, go clay pigeon shooting, and golf. I am a keen gardener,with a strong appreciation for all wildlife.

My partner, Dave O’Donnell, is married to Patricia Gillespie who is a Hospice Nurse and they have twin daughters Eva and Lauren aged 8. They have been in SF for 20 years. They lived for 5 years on Noe and 25th before moving to Glen Park. He has been an IT professional for many years, but also worked as a club DJ and club promoter in Ireland before emigrating in 1994. He is a big sports fan, loves baseball (Red Sox and Giants), plays golf to a 16 handicap, and coaches soccer with the SF Glens ( u-9 girls soccer team).

We both have many friends and families who live in Noe Valley & the surrounding neighborhoods, and have shopped and socialized on 24th street for over 15 years. We are on a first name basis with a wide variety of Noe Valley locals and residents and staff who work on the street.

What kind of food will you serve? Paint us a picture.

We are in the process of writing our menu with our chef who is also a seasoned veteran of the San Francisco Culinary scene, and our goal is keep the menu focused on using local vendors, ensuring customers have a variety of choices at a great price. We would like to see good American comfort food being served in a great bar environment with a great children’s menu nightly and on the weekends.

There will a wide range of appetizers, salads, and entrees, a great house burger, a variety of Pizzas, and daily specials, with a Happy Hours menu, including some exciting finger foods. Above all we are aiming to provide simple, elegant, tasty, comfort food, with the emphasis on affordable quality.

Noe's Bar caters heavily to local sports fans? Will Horner’s cater to them?

We would like to continue to build on the sports theme that's already in Noe's, and ensure that sports fans and locals can continue to come in and watch all their favorite teams as we continue to be a destination for all sports fans in 2014. We will be upgrading the visual and audio systems to enhance the experience.

How deep will you carry the nostalgia? How will you balance the current tech culture with the heritage of Noe Valley being a haven for working class Irish and German families?

That’s a great question, and I will simply say that we will try to create a feel that is historical - with a repainted exterior, and new signag, with a stylish Logo, and branding for the new concept. We intend to do a minor remodel to the bathrooms, and some light interior painting with a wide selection of photographs and memorabilia from the 1850s era, to the turn of the century, and mid-century Noe valley photos on display. Our goal is to show the historical side of Noe valley, and how the old and the new can be incorporated into a modern day concept in a neighborhood in San Francisco. We also intend to have wireless internet access for patrons, to help people navigate our website and menus though there hand held devices at any time.

We want to make the bar a place that people can identify with, regardless of their background. We believe that these visual links with the past will provide a timeline of what the neighborhood was, and is today.

You're working with Bill Yenne to research old photos and historical artifacts/information - is there anything in particular you'd like to have but haven't found yet?

While researching old photos, and speaking with Bill Yenne, we are still compiling our list of items and photos, through extensive searches of the San Francisco Library, and the California Historical Society, Noe Valley Archives, and numerous other sources.

We would like to ask residents of Noe Valley if they have any old photographs of 24th street, and around 24th/Church that were taken around the turn of the century or earlier. If they would like to the opportunity to show them to us, we would consider putting them up on the wall, as a gesture of historical significance to Noe Valley. Moreover if any resident has an old sign, or metal tagger we would love the chance to view them.

You're taking over Noe's and Basso from the Basso family and hope to close escrow in January. When will the new space open?

We would like to take possession of the location in early January, and reopen to the public in early February as Horner’s Corner Bar. We dream of having customers old and new enjoying the Super Bowl at Horner's Corner!

If you have old photos, signs or other memorabilia showcasing Noe Valley Way Back When get in touch. We'll connect you with Mr. Bradley. If you don't? You can check out the display while watching the Super Bowl.

[NVSF: Rumor: Noe's Bar Has Been Sold]
[SFGate: Creamery is deal central for SF techies]
[FoundSF: The Farmer with the Golden Plow: John Meirs Horner (1821-1912)]
[Photo: 1878, 24th/Church opposite the current Noe's Bar via FoundSF]

Rumor: Noe's Bar Has Been Sold

Earlier this month we received a tip via email that Noe's Bar and/or Basso's has been sold:

Rumor is that Noe's (including the Basso's restaurant) on 24th & Church has changed ownership and will be closing for several weeks of renovations sometime before the end of the 2013. It will reopen under a new name. I can only assume it won't be anything like the same neighborhood bar anymore.

We can't find anything online - nothing pending on CA ABC, SF DBI, or rumored on the NVV. Admittedly, we've been too busy this month to stop in for a drink and ask some questions.

Lending credibility to the rumor is this post from last year advertising a Noe Valley pizzeria for sale. Key words include "well established for 30 years" and "not a distressed business." At the time we suspected Haystack was ready to cash out, but now we think otherwise. Turns out Wayne Basso and his family have owned and operated Noe's Bar since 1982 - exactly 30 years before a pizza restaurant in Noe Valley was posted for sale. They took over the restaurant side from Cybelle's in 2008. The listing also indicates that the owner will relocate abroad.

Today we received another tip via Twitter that the bar has been sold, and since we really don't know anything we're asking for your help.

As we're posting Twitter is responding:

@NoeValleySF I've heard it from multiple sources. The consortium is said to include some Dubliner regulars & friends of Rose from The Peaks.
— Steve Courtney (@malderor) October 19, 2013

@NoeValleySF The new owner was promising to upgrade the TVs to HD finally, so that seems like a tellingly genuine detail.
— Steve Courtney (@malderor) October 19, 2013

What have you heard? We'd like to know more, and we'd like to hear from all parties involved if possible. Comment, or send us an email.

[NVSF: For Sale: Noe Valley Pizzeria]
[NVV: Store Trek, February 2008]
[Photo: Roberto Cosenza]