Pop’s Bar Officially Gets Legacy Business Status

I just got word that legendary Mission dive bar, Pop’s, has officially received Legacy Business Status. Besides the fact that it’s quite an honor, it’s fantastic news because it means Pop’s will most likely be here for many years to come.

This is because one of the perks of being a Legacy Business is that it helps save places from egregious rent hikes through rent stabilization grants from the city. As explained on sf.gov, “Landlords of San Francisco Legacy Businesses may be able to get this grant every year. It is to help Legacy Businesses stay open in San Francisco. Landlords must offer a new lease of 10+ years or extend an existing lease to 10+ years.” Basically, the city offsets rent increases to keep important places alive.

To become a Legacy Business, a spot needs to “Have operated in San Francisco for 30 years or longer and have contributed to San Francisco’s history and identity. Legacy Businesses serve as valuable cultural assets of the city; they are the bedrock of local neighborhoods and a draw for tourists from around the world.” Maybe in 10 years Broke-Ass Stuart will qualify!

While Pop’s has been around for 85 years, it is currently owned by Spike Krouse and Tom Tierney. An ebullient Krouse texted me the good news and had this to say, “Tom and I are simply caretakers of this Mission living room, and we did this for the next caretakers and the one’s after them. Any bar or any business for that matter, that has survived in San Francisco for 85 years needs to be acknowledged and protected.”

I couldn’t agree with him more. I’m a so glad that Pop’s will be around for future generations to drink PBRs and make questionable decisions in.

Wanna know the long interesting history of Pop’s? I thought you did. Luckily, we’ve already got that article for you right here.

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