Ike’s Place is Approved for the Castro
The controversial sandwich shop Ike’s Place and its owner Ike Shehadeh scored a major victory on Thursday. The San Francisco Planning Commision voted unanimously to approve plans for the shuttered shop to move into a new location in the Castro at Sanchez and 16th Streets.
The proposed site is right across the street from the original location, which closed after attracting large crowds, despite complaints from neighbors in the area.
The Bay Citizen reports that since closing in September, Ike’s has been sharing a spot at Lime on Market Street, albeit with limited hours.
Shehadeh has also been approved to open a branch in the Cesar Chavez Student Center at San Francisco State University, which is expected to start serving at the end of January. He had been searching for a permanent spot since the original closed.
Shehadeh said this time, he is doing things the right way.
“We have the support of the landlord and from the building owner next door,” he told the Bay Citizen.
The shop had a cult-like following and became known for its huge crowds and large sandwiches with that special “dirty sauce.”
Before Thursday’s hearing, Shehadeh had taken to the Internet, asking his customers and neighbors in the area to write letters supporting the proposed new site.
Hundreds of letters and signatures were filed in support for the board to consider.
SF Eater has a full rundown of Ike’s travails: click here.
Photo Credit: Keith Mizuguchi
