Everett and Jones BBQ Returns to San Francisco as Commission Greenlights Four Permits

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission unanimously approved four entertainment and late-night food permits on May 19, clearing the way for a 53-year-old East Bay barbecue institution to set up on Fisherman's Wharf, a Tenderloin pizza shop to serve late-night workers without a mandatory security guard, and two established venues to expand live entertainment. Every vote was 7-0 — a signal of broad commission support for nightlife growth across the city.

• Everett and Jones Barbecue wins entertainment permit for new Fisherman's Wharf location, returning to SF after earthquake displacement

• Tenderloin pizza shop approved for late-night service after commission strips SFPD-recommended security guard requirement as excessive

• Azukar Lounge upgrades to full nightclub permit, among the first to capitalize on new SOMA zoning allowing nighttime entertainment

• Cha Cha Cha, a 42-year Haight Street institution, gains live music, DJs, drag shows and outdoor sound to boost revenue

• Two venues shielded from complaint-driven inspections after dozens of site visits confirmed compliance

Iconic East Bay BBQ Comes to the Wharf

Everett and Jones Barbecue, a family-owned institution that has operated in the East Bay for more than 53 years, was approved for a limited live performance permit with outdoor amplified sound at 300 Jefferson Street on Fisherman's Wharf.

Why it matters: The Wharf corridor has struggled with vacancies since the pandemic. The permit adds a culturally significant, crowd-drawing business to a stretch that supporters say desperately needs attractions beyond chain restaurants.

Where things stand: Third-generation family member Dorocea White presented alongside her sisters Kenya Richardson, Nina Moore and Dottie Moore. The family previously had a San Francisco location on Third Street that closed due to earthquake damage. The permit allows occasional indoor entertainment — jazz, blues, R&B, comedy and line dancing — plus low-volume outdoor amplified music daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. to draw foot traffic. There are no residential neighbors within 150 feet, and neighborhood outreach yielded no opposition.

President Ben Bleiman was enthusiastic: "I just saw a Reddit post that showed, data wise, that the number one food that visitors from outside of America want when they visit America is barbecue."

A public commenter spoke in strong support, arguing Jefferson Street desperately needs more attractions and that E&J's brand and live music could draw tourists and encourage other businesses to fill Wharf vacancies.

Decisions: Approved 7-0 (For: Bleiman, Wang, Davis, Poggio, Schlander, Thomas, Wilson; Against: 0; Absent: 0).

Commission Overrides SFPD on Tenderloin Pizza Shop Security

Big Apple Pizza and Grill at 127 Eddy Street in the Tenderloin was approved for an extended hours premises permit to formalize late-night food service — until 3 a.m. Monday through Friday and 5 a.m. on weekends — that it has already been providing for years.

The basics: The 800-square-foot business does not serve alcohol, tobacco or entertainment. It is primarily a takeout operation with minimal seating.

Why it matters: SFPD's Tenderloin Station and the Drug Market Agency Coordination Center proactively recommended 11 security conditions, including a mandatory licensed security guard from 11 p.m. to closing. The commission's decision to remove that requirement sets a cost-conscious precedent: small food-only operators in high-challenge neighborhoods may be treated differently from entertainment venues.

Where things stand: Applicant representative Shamsan Hadwan asked commissioners to drop the guard requirement, arguing the business has had zero complaints and the cost would be crushing. Deputy Director Kaitlyn Azevedo agreed the condition seemed excessive: "There's not even any place for the security guard to be inside, it seems like. So I'm definitely open to taking that off the list."

President Ben Bleiman underscored the cost burden: "I also understand fully how expensive security guards are. Talking a few hundred dollars a night minimum just to cover that, which it's a lot of slices of pizza."

Abdul Hadwan of SEIU Local 87 spoke in support, telling commissioners his union represents about 4,000 janitors in San Francisco who work late shifts until 3 or 4 a.m. and regularly eat at Big Apple during breaks.

Decisions: The motion passed 7-0 with the security guard requirement removed and language changed from "security personnel" to "staff" for monitoring duties. Commissioners noted they could revisit the security condition if future issues arise (For: Bleiman, Wang, Davis, Poggio, Schlander, Thomas, Wilson; Against: 0; Absent: 0).

SOMA Zoning Shift Opens the Door for Azukar's Nightclub Upgrade

Azukar Lounge, a bar-restaurant at 9th and Folsom in SOMA featuring more than 400 types of agave spirits and scratch-made Mexican food, was approved to upgrade from a limited live performance permit to a full place of entertainment permit — among the first venues to leverage recent SOMA zoning changes that now allow nighttime entertainment.

Why it matters: The zoning shift could foreshadow a wave of similar permit upgrades across SOMA, reshaping the neighborhood's nightlife landscape.

Where things stand: Owner Jonathan has held an LLP since 2015 with no issues. The POE allows the same programming — DJs, comedy, karaoke, bands, fashion shows, drag shows — but past 11 p.m. The application also includes outdoor amplified sound from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. to draw foot traffic. About 60 letters of support were submitted. Security conditions include guards for Friday and Saturday entertainment past 10 p.m., a 21-and-over policy and ID checks.

Commissioner Laura Thomas disclosed she is a co-owner of the neighboring Stud and vouched for the business: "I am one of the owners of the Stud, and you guys have been excellent neighbors."

President Ben Bleiman praised Jonathan's community involvement, noting his consistent helpfulness in an informal bar alliance group.

Decisions: Approved 7-0 (For: Bleiman, Wang, Davis, Poggio, Schlander, Thomas, Wilson; Against: 0; Absent: 0).

Cha Cha Cha Brings Live Entertainment Back to Haight Street

Cha Cha Cha, a Caribbean restaurant that has been a Haight Street fixture at 1801 Haight Street since 1984, was approved for a limited live performance permit with outdoor amplified sound on its rear patio.

Why it matters: Rising operating costs are pushing established restaurants to seek entertainment revenue. The 42-year-old legacy business's permit signals a broader trend.

Where things stand: Owner Oz (Stefano) told commissioners he wants to accommodate customer requests for birthday and wedding celebrations and restore the Caribbean vibe that existed before COVID. He noted he previously held an LLP at Cha Cha Cha's Mission Street location with no issues. Programming includes DJs, bands, comedy, karaoke, fashion shows and drag shows. Ten letters of support were submitted, including from the Haight Ashbury Merchants Association and the landlord. SFPD Park Station had no added conditions, and no opposition was received from neighbors within 150 feet.

Decisions: Approved 7-0 (For: Bleiman, Wang, Davis, Poggio, Schlander, Thomas, Wilson; Against: 0; Absent: 0).

Compliant Venues Win Relief From Complaint-Driven Inspections

The commission voted twice — both 7-0 — to deprioritize 311 complaint response for two venues that have been repeatedly inspected and found in compliance.

Why it matters: The deprioritization protocol shields compliant businesses from inspection overload, freeing enforcement resources for genuine violations.

Where things stand: Commissioner Jordan Wilson, presenting the senior inspector report, said inspectors visited Key Club at 850 Bush Street nine times after 10 complaints, finding full compliance every time. The business does not even host entertainment or require commission permitting. Teeth at 2323 Mission Street, which holds a limited live performance permit, received more than 30 complaints in three months — many from a single neighbor who emailed directly rather than using 311 — with 24 site visits since June 2025 showing consistent compliance. The business installed a sound limiter.

Commissioner Leonard Poggio asked about Club Dark, which has also been generating complaints but was found compliant. Staff reported they are in contact with the permit holder about more stringent sound testing for the next concert series.

Decisions: Both deprioritizations approved 7-0 for three-month periods.

The inspector report also noted enforcement action elsewhere: Celeste at 2165 Union Street was issued a notice of violation for operating entertainment without permits after a DJ and guitarist were found playing in the parklet, and 81 Social Gallery at 81 Cedar received a $100 citation for failing to use a metal detector wand on patrons as required.

Minor Items

• Minutes for April 21 and May 6 approved 7-0.

• Executive Director Maggie Weiland's report deferred to June 2 due to illness.

• Commissioner Laura Thomas requested a future agenda item on a proposed Board of Supervisors ordinance banning smoking on patios, warning it could significantly affect permitted entertainment venues.

• Commissioners praised the recent nightlife summit organized by commission staff. Commissioner Wilson said it improves every year; Commissioner Poggio thanked staff for relevant programming and strong attendance.

• A Fillmore resident named Adrian reported during general public comment that Brotherhood for Change has been holding Fillmore Family Fridays street events twice monthly — in March, April and May — despite a conditional use permit approved in February allowing only once per month on O'Farrell Street between Fillmore and Steiner from 4 to 10 p.m. He described neighbor complaints about noise, drinking and crowds in the Safeway parking lot. The commission took no action, as public comment does not receive formal responses.