A longstanding Italian restaurant, BARBACCO, situated in the heart of downtown San Francisco, has reluctantly announced its closure after nearly 14 years of serving locals and visitors alike. The decision, conveyed through an Instagram post last Saturday, reflects the harsh reality faced by businesses in the area.
The restaurant’s statement expressed optimism for a return to pre-pandemic vibrancy in 2023, but the anticipated recovery has yet to materialize.
In their heartfelt message, the owners shared their gratitude to their patrons, recounting the many cherished moments spent sharing meals within their cozy confines.
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Umberto Gibin, the proprietor of BARBACCO, conveyed his somber sentiments to CBS News Bay Area, revealing that the restaurant had been grappling with mounting challenges for an extended period.
“It was in my mind already because I noticed that we were just bleeding, and again I didn’t want to believe it,” Gibin confided. “I didn’t see the volume that we need even to break even, for that matter.”
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Despite Gibin’s unwavering commitment to sustaining his cherished establishment, the grim financial reality prevailed. “You don’t want to give up,” he acknowledged, “you always hope that there is a new day until you realize that you need to look at the numbers and the bank account and you say, ‘Well, I don’t think this is sustainable.’ So, as hard of a decision as it is, it is a reality.”
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The struggle faced by BARBACCO is emblematic of a broader trend in San Francisco. As reported by local outlets, the downtown office vacancy rate looms around a staggering 30%.
The city’s residents find themselves at odds, with concerns mounting over rising crime rates and the struggles faced by local businesses.
In a notable development, San Francisco Land Use Commissioner Alex Ludlum tendered his resignation in August, sending a scathing letter to Democratic Mayor London Breed.
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Ludlum’s resignation stemmed from his efforts to shed light on the concerning effects of crime and drug use in the city through a “doom loop” tour.
San Francisco has turned worse than any other city in the third world countries . Rampant drug abuse and homelessness is a dangerous combo for crimes. The Democrats are running our once great cities to the ground. VOTE THEM OUT. pic.twitter.com/76nQXkslaW
— That 90’s Liberal (@That90sLiberal) September 21, 2023
However, amid the adversity, some residents remain hopeful for the city’s future. Laura Rotbert, a patron of the neighboring restaurant Perbacco, shared her perspective with CBS News Bay Area.
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“To be honest with you, as a native San Franciscan and knowing what’s going on downtown, I wasn’t surprised, but it’s very sad,” Rotbert admitted. “However, I’m optimistic for the future of downtown San Francisco.”
As BARBACCO ceases its operations, questions surrounding the fate of businesses in San Francisco’s city center persist. Fox News Digital’s attempt to solicit a comment from BARBACCO regarding their decision went unanswered.
The closure of BARBACCO is another business corpse brought on by the woke policies of Democrat led San Francisco, where economic struggles, rampant crime, drug use and homelessness.
At what point do residents wake up and decide they need to rethink their liberal ideologies and start voting differently?
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