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San Francisco Celebrates Asian American & Pacific-Islander Heritage Month by Uplifting Small Businesses and Investing in Community Events
05/11/2025
[ Article originally appeared in www.sf.gov ] As San Francisco honors Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) is proud to highlight the deep impact AAPI entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, nonprofits, and community members have had in shaping San Francisco’s neighborhoods. As part of this celebration, OEWD has launched a dedicated webpage featuring community-led initiatives, events, and AAPI-owned businesses across the city: SF.gov/aapi. “From the shops that anchor our neighborhoods to the cultural traditions that draw people here from around the world, the AAPI small business community plays a vital role in keeping our city dynamic,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. "This week, I'm excited to celebrate the AAPI small business owners and recognize their commitment and investment in San Francisco.” “San Francisco’s economy has been largely shaped by the work, vision, and contributions of our AAPI communities,” said Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “The diversity of our AAPI-owned businesses enriches our neighborhoods and is integral to the city's character. OEWD is proud to support the business owners, workers, and organizations that ensure this foundation is not only recognized—but resourced and strengthened well into the future.” Launched by OEWD this year, the Chinatown Tasty Awards recognized nine restaurants—selected entirely by the community—through a neighborhood-wide tasting and voting process. The result was a list of true community favorites, chosen not by critics, but by the residents who know the neighborhood best. The winning eateries display a Tasty Award decal, making it easy for patrons to seek out local favorites. In partnership with Self-Help for the Elderly, OEWD will host a Chinatown Tasty Tour on Sunday, May 11. This guided, 45-minute walking tour will bring participants to the first and second place winners of the three community-voted categories: pineapple buns, siu mai, and boba. Participants will visit six award-winning establishments across Chinatown and enjoy a tasting of each item. Tours will take place at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. in groups of up to 20 people. Tickets are available for $15 and include a voucher redeemable for one pineapple bun, one siu mai, and one boba drink. Registration will be available on May 9 at SelfHelpElderly.org. Additionally, to help residents explore the winners, OEWD has created a Chinatown Tasty Passport, a printable guide to the nine Tasty Award winners that invites participants to complete their own self-guided food tour. Also supported by OEWD, from May 7–18, Chow Fun SF will celebrate cafes, bakeries, bars and restaurants serving AAPI flavors across the Excelsior, OMI, and Visitacion Valley neighborhoods. A full list of the Tasty Award winners, the printable Tasty Passport, information on Chow Fun SF, and AAPI Heritage Month events throughout May can be found on the Shop Dine AAPI page at sf.gov/aapi. Among the many stories highlighted in this online resource is that of Derrick Li, a San Francisco-based culinary entrepreneur and award-winning mixologist. Originally from Hong Kong, Derrick completed OEWD’s Hospitality Initiative, a workforce training program that connects residents to careers in the city’s hospitality sector. In 2023, he launched Blind Pig Speakeasy, a cocktail bar and lounge in Lower Nob Hill, where he blends his mixology expertise with cultural inspiration. The bar features original cocktails infused with Asian ingredients and offers an intimate, speakeasy-style experience that reflects both personal creativity and community connection. “Becoming a business owner in San Francisco has been such a rewarding experience,” said Derrick Li, owner of Blind Pig Speakeasy. “The Hospitality Initiative gave me the tools to turn a passion into a career, and now I get to build a team and create opportunities for others, too. It means a lot to be part of a city where AAPI-owned businesses are seen and supported.” New and longtime AAPI-owned businesses play an essential role in shaping the cultural identity and neighborhood character of San Francisco. Through the Legacy Business Program, the city recognizes and supports businesses that have operated for 30 years or more and are considered vital to the unique fabric of the city. Many AAPI-owned businesses are part of the registry located in neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Japantown, the Richmond, and the Sunset. These businesses are celebrated not just for their longevity, but also for their lasting impact on community life. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the corridors and experience the restaurants, boutiques, family-run shops, and services that reflect San Francisco’s history and diversity. “So many AAPI-owned businesses have shaped the identity of San Francisco for generations,” said Katy Tang, Director of the Office of Small Business. “They’re places of culture, memory, and connection, and we want to take every opportunity to recognize their impact and ensure they remain part of our city’s story for years to come.” With support from OEWD, organizations across the city are working every day to strengthen AAPI communities. Groups such as the Chinese Chamber of Commerce San Francisco, SOMA Pilipinas,Kultivate Labs, Community Youth Center, Self-Help for the Elderly, Chinatown Community Development Center and more are advancing cultural heritage, organizing community events, and supporting leadership and small business development. NEW BUSINESS OPENINGS OEWD is also investing in the future of AAPI-owned storefronts through the Storefront Opportunity Grant,which helps businesses open customer-ready spaces in key commercial corridors. Five AAPI-owned businesses are expected to open brick-and-mortar locations in the coming months, adding to the ten that have already opened this year, including: Papa Noodle, a fast-casual eatery serving authentic Chinese noodles with fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold flavors at 117 New Montgomery Cap SF, a nonprofit legal resource center supporting representation for individuals facing execution at 425 California Street Happy Poke, serving customizable poke bowls with sushi-grade fish and house-made sauces at 2760 Octavia St.
Taishan Cuisine, specializing in regional Cantonese dishes with late-night hours at 781 Broadway Back To News |
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