The recent drama surrounding Toronado, a long-standing beer bar in San Francisco’s Haight Street, has captured the attention of locals and beer aficionados alike. With its reputation as one of the city’s most cherished beer establishments, the potential sale of Toronado has sparked significant controversy, especially regarding the prospective buyer, Orion Parrott, a crypto entrepreneur. As the situation unfolds, it raises questions about the future of this beloved institution.
Recently, the anticipated acquisition took a turn for the worse. Parrott’s visit to the bar with a reporter and photographer from the San Francisco Chronicle resulted in an unexpected confrontation. Tensions escalated quickly, leading to an atmosphere of chaos as bartenders reacted negatively to the presence of media and the prospect of new ownership. Current owner Dave Keene, who opened the bar in 1987, was reportedly displeased with the entire scenario and reiterated his ownership status multiple times.
Keene, having established Toronado as a quintessential dive bar with a static charm—one that does not even accept credit cards—announced his retirement plans, which set the stage for the sale. However, the expected handover seems far from realization. Keene’s lawyers recently informed Parrott that the sale was off due to the latter not waiving certain contingencies in the required timeframe. Parrott retorted that he was unable to fulfill this request as he awaited essential documents from Keene’s side. This has left the status of the sale in a state of limbo.
Originally, Parrott had positioned himself as an ambitious buyer eager to revamp the bar into a trendy venue. Describing his vision for Toronado, Parrott had plans for a 3,000-square-foot rooftop bar, alongside intentions to reopen the adjacent Rosamunde restaurant location—part of the $1.75 million asking price. However, his aspirations were met with skepticism and resistance from the bar’s regulars. When news of Parrott’s plans to set up a ToronadoCash crypto coin emerged, the backlash was swift, leading him to abandon the idea almost immediately.
The contrasting ideals between the old-school charm of Toronado and Parrott’s tech-driven ambitions have been a source of contention. Many longtime patrons appreciate the bar’s unpretentious atmosphere, while Parrott’s past as a Raytheon employee and current status as a “crypto bro” has led many to question whether he is the right fit to carry on Toronado’s legacy.
As attempts to negotiate the sale remained ineffective, Keene appeared increasingly reluctant to let go of the bar, particularly to someone whose vision diverges so greatly from his own. Communications between Keene and Parrott have reportedly been strained, primarily conducted through real estate brokers rather than direct conversations. This lack of communication has contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the bar’s future.
Moreover, the reaction to Parrott has been overwhelmingly negative, with many current employees and patrons expressing disdain toward the idea of a shift away from Toronado’s cherished traditions. For many, the thought of a rooftop bar and experimental new ideas is an unwelcome departure from the familiar environment they’ve grown to love.
The saga of Toronado serves as a compelling case study in the evolving landscape of San Francisco’s cultural institutions. It highlights the challenges faced by longstanding establishments in adapting to a tech-driven world where generation gaps sometimes clash dramatically. This conflict between tradition and modern entrepreneurial ambitions has become a recurring theme in the discussions surrounding the bar’s future.
As we await further developments in this situation, the beer community remains hopeful that a resolution that honors Toronado’s history will be achieved. The bar is not merely a place to enjoy craft beer; it represents a social hub and a crucial part of the Lower Haight neighborhood’s identity. It is crucial for any prospective buyer to appreciate both the legacy of Toronado and the contributions it has made to the local dining and drinking scene.
In these uncertain times, the voices of loyal patrons and employees are vital. Their passion for preserving the authentic character of Toronado can provide valuable insights for anyone looking to assume stewardship of this much-loved bar. Whether it’s Keene’s eventual decision to sell or the emergence of a new buyer, the essence of Toronado should remain intact, offering a comfort that transcends trends and technology.
In conclusion, the fate of Toronado is still hanging in the balance, but there is no doubt that the community is invested in its future. As this story continues to develop, we look forward to seeing whether the bar can transition into new ownership while maintaining the unique atmosphere that has endeared it to countless beer lovers over the years. For now, Toronado remains a testament to the rich tapestry of San Francisco’s cultural landscape, embodying the spirit of conviviality, tradition, and, of course, outstanding beer.
