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“Excelsior Buzz” is a recurring column on changes, tidbits and other news from the Excelsior. Got news? Send us tips at tips@missionlocal.com.
A new cannabis dispensary is coming to the Persia Triangle, at the intersection of Mission Street and Persia Avenue.
Green Field, set to open 4687 Mission St., has been a long time coming — seven years, to be exact, according to Alex, who is helping his younger brother Serge, the store’s owner, with the final finishing touches.
The road to opening was not without setbacks. Serge originally had his sights set on a location across the street, but his plans were derailed before the COVID-19 pandemic, when the site was found to be just two feet shy of the city-required 600-foot buffer around a nearby school required to open a cannabis dispensary.
The shop will also be the third cannabis dispensary in the Excelsior. To the south of it is Alien Labs Area 41 at 5234 Mission St. at Mission and Pope streets, and to the north of it is The Green Cross, at 4218 Mission and Ney streets.
Now, with the right location secured, the brothers are in the home stretch. “We’re waiting to open hopefully by April 15 or 20,” Alex said.
Fans of Zabb Thai at 4440 Mission St. should plan ahead: The beloved neighborhood joint for Thai flavors will be closed from April 1 through 22. Regulars craving their favorite curry or stir fry will have to wait a few weeks before returning to the table at Mission and Francis streets.
The temporary closure is a well-deserved break for owner and chef Anna So, who is finally taking a long-overdue vacation.
So is spending quality time with her daughter, first soaking up the sunshine in Florida, where some of her family members reside, before the two jet off together to explore Italy.
The space at 4490 Mission St. at the intersection of Mission Street and Santa Rosa Avenue, located just next door to Central Drug Store, which shuttered last July, is undergoing some serious renovation.
On Wednesday afternoon, it was alive with activity. Three workers moved through the dust-filled interior, touching up the walls and nailing cabinet structures into the wall in the backroom.
One worker shared that the crew had been on the job for three days. He added that, according to the owner — who was not present during this reporter’s visit — the finished space might house a shoe and clothing store.
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The sign is finally up at 4615 Mission St. at the intersection of Mission Street and Brazil Avenue — La Espiga De Oro, the newest venture from owner Pablo Maron, who already runs the original location by the same name in the Mission District.
This Excelsior outpost will follow a similar formula as his first shop at 2916 24th St, near Florida Street, serving burritos, pupusas, tamales and tacos as a quick and casual to-go spot.
Inside, the space is shaping up nicely: New grey tile flooring has been laid, and kitchen equipment, including display cabinets, is in place. A worker on site said the finishing touches should be completed in about three weeks.
Sales alert: The Goodwill Store at 4631 Mission St. is having a 50-percent off sale on Saturday, April 11.
Store manager Jamie Greene said the sale applies across all San Francisco Bay Area Goodwill locations.
The store hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday (and every day.)
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Xueer works on data and covers the Excelsior. She joined Mission Local as part the inaugural cohort of the California Local News Fellowship in 2023.
Xueer is a bilingual journalist fluent in Mandarin. She graduated from UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism with a Master’s Degree. In her downtime, she enjoys cooking and scuba diving.
You can reach her securely on Signal @xueerlu.77.
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