Yank Sing, a cherished dim sum restaurant in San Francisco, has announced the imminent closure of its Rincon Center location after nearly three decades of service. The historic establishment, which first opened its doors in 1958, will cease operations at its Spear Street site on September 20, while continuing to serve guests at its nearby Stevenson Street venue.
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In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Yank Sing reflected on the memories created at the Rincon Center over the past 27 years. The restaurant expressed gratitude to patrons who made unforgettable memories, whether through major celebrations or casual lunches. “After 27 wonderful years, this Sunday marks our final service at Rincon Center,” the post stated, highlighting the emotional significance of the location to both the restaurant and its customers.
Despite the closure, the family-owned eatery reassured its loyal customers that the dining experience will persist at the Stevenson Street location. “The good news? Yank Sing isn’t going anywhere. We’re inviting you to join us at our Stevenson Street location, just five blocks away, where we’ve been serving dim sum since 1974,” the post continued. This newer venue will maintain traditional cart service, offering both indoor and outdoor seating options for diners.
The sentiment of loss was palpable among patrons commenting on the closure announcement. Many shared fond recollections, such as one commenter lamenting, “Oh no. When we visit San Francisco, this is our first and most important stop for lunch. Going to miss the Rincon Center location.” Another remarked on the personal connection, stating, “Will miss Rincon location. We had our wedding reception there almost 20 years ago!”
In an email to the San Francisco Chronicle, co-owner Vera Chan Waller explained that the decision was driven by the expiration of their lease. “Thank you for being part of our story at Rincon; we’re grateful for the many memories we’ve shared there and look forward to continuing our story together at Yank Sing Stevenson,” she stated.
The Rincon Center location was reportedly the larger of the two restaurants and has become a landmark in the city’s culinary landscape. Yank Sing has been a family-operated business for three generations, a legacy stemming from its founders, George and Alice Chan, who emigrated from China in the 1940s after fleeing the Communist Revolution. The establishment’s original location at 53 Stevenson Street opened in 1974 before undergoing renovations that resulted in its current address, 49 Stevenson Street.
Renowned for its diverse menu, Yank Sing features over 100 rotating dim sum dishes, served traditionally with push carts. Signature offerings include steamed barbecue pork buns and shrimp dumplings, which are brought directly to diners’ tables. While the Stevenson Street restaurant provides both indoor and covered outdoor seating, it currently does not offer takeout or delivery services à la the Rincon Center.
As the closure date approaches, the restaurant’s website notes that interested guests should continue ordering from the Spear Street location for the time being. It remains unclear whether takeout and delivery services will transition to the Stevenson Street site in the future.
The anticipation surrounding Yank Sing’s impending closure at the Rincon Center highlights the restaurant’s integral role in the fabric of San Francisco’s dining culture. As one of the city’s premier dim sum destinations, it will certainly be missed in its current form. Nonetheless, many fans are optimistic about continuing to enjoy their beloved dim sum offerings at the Stevenson Street location that has stood the test of time.
As the restaurant prepares for this new chapter, it is clear that Yank Sing will remain a staple of the San Francisco culinary scene, inviting old and new patrons to partake in its lasting legacy of exceptional cuisine and cherished memories.