Louis’ Restaurant reopens after renovation project
Louis’ Restaurant, a San Francisco institution for decades, on Wednesday reopened after a renovation and welcomed customers back to its sweeping views of Sutro Baths and the Pacific Ocean.
Operated by the Hontalas family since 1937, Louis’ nearly lost its lease in 2010. But after an outcry from restaurant supporters, the National Park Service, which owns the land under the restaurant, agreed to a new 10-year lease and the Hontalas family agreed to improve the building to meet access regulations and update the menu as well. Long-time patrons will still recognize the seating and counters, which were retained in the renovation.
Louis’ is open every day from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
All photos: Jon Weiand / Ocean Beach Bulletin
It wasn’t a public outcry that saved Louis. Actually, the NPS granted Louis’ a 10-year lease after they successfully competed for it as required by law for Park Service concessionaires.
And Louis’ wasn’t being singled out. Heck, even Yosemite Park & Curry Company had to compete for their concession permit after a century of doing business at Yosemite — and they lost!
I imagine theyve upgraded the bathrooms. Worlds smallest.