San Francisco-based, pan-African restaurant and nightclub Bissap Baobab officially closed in December 2025, and it’s been unclear what would happen to the space … until now. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that some Mission neighbors are taking up the mantle: Bar Part Time owners Justin Dolezal, Jeremy Castillo, and Dan Small, along with Dalva partner Eric Ochoa, will open their new restaurant and nightclub in the space at 2243 Mission Street, dubbing the new project Downtime.
Already, there are plenty of intriguing details being shared. The menu will be run by Rose Pizzeria owners Gerad Gobel and Alexis Rorabaugh, although Dolezal was quoted as saying, “it won’t be pizza.” Ochoa will put together the cocktail menu, and the wine will (naturally) be in the zero-zero realm. They’re aiming to open by late fall.
RH plans for an entire East Bay compound
However, you may feel about the RH restaurants, get ready for more: The San Francisco Business Times reports that the artist formerly known as Restoration Hardware is opening a four-building complex in Walnut Creek. The company is building everything from scratch, taking over the site of the former Neiman Marcus and Chico’s buildings on Mount Diablo Boulevard. The four buildings will be connected by “glass-covered pedestrian walkways” with a glass atrium garden restaurant, “fitted with fireplaces and fountains” in the main building. The menu will likely be similar to other RH spots, and already there are plans for an “outdoor wine experience.” Plus, there will be furniture and stuff on display in the company’s usual, fancy ways. Construction is likely to start sometime this year, with a planned opening date for 2028.
Iftar and Suhoor events in the Bay Area
Somehow, February has been busy with events and holidays, but if you’re still looking for more to do, KQED has this excellent guide on Ramadan, the month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Included is a list of events for gathering, restaurants offering Iftar, and cafes staying open late for the next few weeks.