The Sam Wo Restaurant, a San Francisco institution known for its late-night hours, no-frills food, and surly service, has officially closed its doors.
A longtime San Francisco Chinese restaurant with a storied past has permanently closed its doors. The Sam Wo Restaurant is believed to have served its first meal shortly after the 1906 earthquake at its original location on Washington Street. The Chinatown institution has been family-owned for generations and was a popular late-night spot during the 1950s, attracting Beat Generation poets like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.
Known for its extended hours, simple fare, and notoriously gruff service, the restaurant gained notoriety in the 1960s as the home of Edsel Ford Fong, who earned the nickname 'the world's rudest waiter.' The Sam Wo Restaurant has been featured in numerous San Francisco guidebooks and has welcomed notable visitors throughout its history, including China's president, David Letterman, and a host of other celebrities. The restaurant's original location on Washington Street was forced to close in 2012 due to health code violations and fire safety concerns. It eventually reopened in 2015 on nearby Clay Street. However, according to reports last fall, the restaurant's lease was set to expire in January 2025. With no buyers stepping forward to acquire the business and main chef and part-owner David Ho retiring, it appears the establishment had its final day of operation on Sunday. At this time, there are no announcements regarding the restaurant continuing at the 713 Clay Street location or elsewhere
Sam Wo Restaurant San Francisco Chinese Restaurant Closure History Chinatown Edsel Ford Fong David Ho
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