In a first for the Outer Sunset, Henry’s House of Coffee (1618 Noriega St.) has been named to San Francisco’s Legacy Business Registry.
The neighborhood coffee roaster and cafe has been in business since 1983. In its previous incarnation as an Armenian deli, which began in 1965, local author William Saroyan was a loyal customer. (You can read more about its history in our story from February.)
“It’s an homage to the 50 years we’ve been in San Francisco,” said Henry’s son Hrag Kalebjian, who described himself as “ecstatic” about the news. “More and more, we’re seeing businesses that have been around for 20, 30 years move away because rents have gone up. If anything, it’s paying respect to the hard work of Dad and the prior owners.”
Hrag says Henry is staying humble about the recognition. “My dad is not really about awards and recognition, he’s a very humble guy,” said Hrag. “He’s obviously honored, but he kind of gets embarrassed about it.”
The registry, created last year by voters under Proposition J, is intended to help keep businesses that are 30 years old or older in place, by offering subsidies for rent, encouraging longer commercial leases, and offering annual grants of $500 per full-time employee to help cover labor costs.
“Preserving our legacy businesses is critical to maintaining what makes San Francisco a special place,” the SF Office of Small Business writes on its website.
Legacy status isn’t the only big news at Henry’s House of Coffee. In 2017, the shop will be undertaking a major renovation, starting in January and hopefully ending in April, said Hrag.
Henry’s recently conducted a customer survey to find out what its customers wanted out of the store. The top three requests were free wi-fi, more seating, and snack options. The renovation will add seating and snack options for customers, as well as open up the back so that customers can see how the small coffee business is run.
Despite the renovation, Hrag says they’ll work to ensure customers will still be able to enjoy their favorite drinks. “We’ll still be selling coffee as much as we can during construction,” he promises.
For more stories on newly minted SF legacy businesses, check out our conversations with Specs Twelve Adler Museum Cafe, Two Jacks Nik’s Place, Toy Boat Dessert Cafe, Moby Dick, The Booksmith, and Dog Eared Books.
