The Italian eatery that once brought a slice of European flair to San Francisco's Western Addition is closing its doors. Che Fico Alimentari, known for its authentic Italian market and restaurant, announced it would be serving its last cacio e pepe on May 9 before undergoing a significant transformation, as reported by SFGATE.
In an emotional Instagram post, the owners of the beloved spot thanked their patrons and staff for their dedication. They recounted the journey of Che Fico Alimentari as a place that was "spry, vibrant, and thrilling to launch," and how it had adapted through difficult times to keep the community fed with programs such as the Che Fico Family Meal Program. The owners also stressed that this change isn't a permanent farewell but rather a strategic shift to unify with the main restaurant upstairs to offer a more cohesive dining experience, as per the announcement on Instagram.
David Nayfeld, co-owner and noted as an outstanding chef by the James Beard awards, candidly discussed the pressures that led to the decision. "Post-pandemic, our cherished neighborhood restaurant struggled with the new economic realities, making it clear that its current model was unsustainable," Nayfeld explained. Despite many adjustments, including reduced prices and modified menus, the economic burdens post-pandemic proved insurmountable in maintaining the business. Nayfeld has echoed these sentiments to SFGATE, shedding light on the challenges restaurants nationwide face with lower consumer spending and shifts in dining habits.
Nayfeld also addressed the tough decisions necessary to keep a business afloat, stating, "These are big kid decisions that real businesses have to look at every day." He criticized San Francisco and Californian authorities' lack of support for small businesses, especially restaurants. Despite these hurdles, Nayfeld and his business partner Matt Brewer remain optimistic. They are set on making the most of the space, rolling out a grab-and-go menu, and making room for expanded private dining options. The adjustment also allows them to utilize their liquor license for beer and wine to serve cocktails now downstairs, as Nayfeld told SFGATE.
The closure of Che Fico Alimentari won't affect the operations of Nayfeld and Brewer's other establishments, including Il Mercato di Che Fico in Menlo Park and other planned expansions in San Francisco. Nayfeld reflects on the personal nature of the venue and the relationships he built with patrons, stating per SFGATE, "Che Fico Alimentari was very personal" and affirming his commitment to fighting for the essence of the restaurant across all his ventures.
