With the future of Pop’s uncertain (be sure to read Broke-Ass Stuart’s heartfelt remembrance), rumors abound. A reader wrote in last night with a query:
I am a frequent reader of missionmission (clap clap- I love the site) and I heard a rumor I thought you might know something about- is the (awesome) pops bar on 24th street turning into a freakin’ birite? I heard some buzz about it and figured you had your ear to the ground on these sorts of things.
Well, cool, thanks!
I said, “Where’d you hear this rumor?”
A few friends who are pretty plugged in to the anti-gentrification underground were buzzing about it the other day over drinks. I don’t expect that they’d be open to telling me where they heard it- they are pretty private about that stuff- but it definitely got my wheels turning so figured I’d ask.
Shrug. Thanks, anyway.
Sounds pretty solid.
UPDATE (Monday, December 2, 2013): Bi-Rite wrote in to tell us that this rumor is false.
, rumors abound. A reader wrote in last night with a query: I am a frequent reader of missionmission (clap clap- I love the site) and I heard a rumor I thought you might know something about- is the (awesome) pops bar […]</p>
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Seems like a TINY space for a Bi-rite. Yet another overpriced cocktail bar is a more likely option, I’d predict.
maybe bi-rite will have two stores, neither big enough to manage the crowds well. or maybe you’ll pay for your groceries at the smaller one and then go pick them up at the bigger one, which means you have to pay a mustache car to drive you between. that’s disruptive innovation right there!
Are these the same anti-gentrification underground that freaked out about the new owner of the Redlick (17 Reasons) Building?
“Pop’s is closing. I hope it doesn’t become a fancy gourmet place.”
“I bet it turns into another Bi-Rite.”
“What? Pops is becoming Bi-Rite?”
“That’s what I heard. Bi-Rite shut down Pops!”
“Boycott Bi-Rite!”
I love the “they’re pretty private about that stuff,” like this is some Wikileaks-level intel. And jesus, “anti-gentrification underground”? LET’S ALL TAKE OURSELVES SUPER-SERIOUSLY. Because we’re super-serious, yo.
This. exactly.
Weed makes you paranoid.
Jus sayin’ yo.
BARCADE SPACE DISCO
Plugged-in idiot.
I heard it was going to become an exclusive members only club. ala The Battery.
Seems like an absolutely retarded comment/rumor, started by someone who loves hating on some mysterious yuppy enemy, in an effort to seem REALLY Mission. I could be wrong and it could actually happen, but seems wildly unlikely.
What?!? I heard Bi-Rite was turning into a new Pop’s
Gawd. I love bi-rite.
How about a Police substation.
This would make no sense, have you people even been to Pops?
As a pops regular I have to say this sudden love for Pops is a bit fair weather. It does sometimes get crowded on certain nights, but on average its not the most crowded bar around.
Pops? I thought we were saving poops. Never mind, then.
I never liked Popscene anyway, way too goth.
can someone inappropriately apply the term “hipster” to this comment thread so we can officially end it?
There is no way to inappropriately apply the term hipster.
As long as the new Bi-Rite sells twenty bags of shitty blow, I’m down.
SF VIGILANCE COMMITTEE
FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST! FUCK BI-RITE.
“pretty plugged in to the anti-gentrification underground” – laughable.
Jesus. How hard is it to actually contact someone and ask if a rumor is true? I mean, you’re friends with us on Facebook. I was sitting next to you outside of Beretta last night. The owner of Pop’s is easily accessible via email or you can talk to her at Thee Parkside. I mean, it takes a modicum to effort to not perpetuate rumors.
Pop’s is not becoming a Bi-Rite or a Starbucks or another used book store.
None of the employees have any idea what the future holds but we are all optimistic that the spirit and identity that makes Pop’s what it is will continue with the new ownership.
+1
game over
Well, after living on 18 and Guerrero for 13 years before the current Bi Rite, I have to say when they opened pretty much every one was happy about it and still are. Sammy the owner’s uncle owned that very store back in the day. Sammy re bought the store and put life back into that area. Before that? The previous store sold moldy cheese surrounded by vacant lots and a pretty crappy bakery called Carl’s. Not that awesome. It’s a family operation, his brother and mother worked there. It’s local.
Now I’ve been in this part if the Mission for 13 years, and I would welcome a Bi Rite. So much hate in the Mission.
It’s remarkable how much hate there is. The expectation is higher in San Francisco because it presents itself as an inclusive, tolerant city.
We learn the truth after only a short time living here.
Seriously – people are hating on Bi Rite now, of all places? Really? I can’t wait till this collective tantrum over ZOMG GENTRIFICATION finally ends.
you do realize that the whole “ZOMG GENTRIFICATION” is a reaction to “EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE CHANGING” right?
I never loved Pop’s, but I understand the uproar. Bummer enough that a neighborhood bar is disappearing, but to have it (hypothetically) replaced by an overpriced grocery store? Again, I don’t really care too much for Pop’s but if a Bi-Rite replaced 500 Club, I’d lose my mind. I totally understand the negative sentiment toward “artisan-everything” taking over the mission. Locally owned or not…does the neighborhood really need another place to buy $12 sandwiches?
Note: I find it extremely hard to believe a Bi-Rite will takeover Pop’s space. Just arguing for argument’s sake.
Especially, since we stated it wasn’t true previously.
Yes, the rumors are true.
Sandwiches at BI-Rite cost $8, less than hipster favorites Rhea’s or Ike’s, plus Sammy and his family have been in the Mission since the 40′s, you whiny transplant fucks….
“hipster favorites”
This is what I was waiting for…now the thread can end.
Why haven’t you been evicted by now, you encrusted barnacle?! We’re all subsidizing your $300 rent! Get with the program!
Pop’s becoming a Starbuck’s
^ you read it here first ^
Attic is being sold and shutting down as well. Another staple going away.
Now where will I possibly go to find an indifferent bartender and a DJ wearing jorts playing yacht rock?
heh heh fashoe!
I’ve heard it’s going to be the upcoming site of a bar rescue episode.
“anti-gentrification underground” That is so amusing. Love it