Legacy Businesses

Photo credit: Hoodline

Papenhausen Hardware 

Location: 32 West Portal Ave.

Opened in 1936, Papenhausen Hardware has been continually serving the West Portal community hardware and household items even with the advent of online shopping. The store has built up an excellent customer service reputation in the 87 years that staff have provided valuable advice and knowledge to customers. Papenhausen Hardware is currently owned by West Portal native Matt Rogers and managed by Karl Aguilar. 

Photo credit: San Francisco Legacy Business

El Toreador Fonda Mexicana Restaurant

Location: 50 West Portal Ave.

El Toreador Fonda, opened in 1957 by the Lepi family, is an authentic Mexican restaurant with an array of dishes and over 100 labels of beer. El Toreador's colorful and festive decorations coupled with it's high-quality food standards has earned the restaurant rapport and loyal customers. Currently, El Toreador is run by long-time owner Esperanza Mahan and her two sons. The restaurant has also relied on Chef Maria Guadalupe Silva who has been with El Toreador for over 30 years. 


Arrow Stamp and Coin Company

Location: 236 West Portal Ave. #298

Arrow Stamp and Coin Company has been in operation since 1955 for over 60 years, and has bought and sold coins and stamps for collectors. The shop has a wide range of stamps from across the globe including rare stamps that history and geography. Arrow Stamp and Coin was originally owned by John and Betty Norrington, and now run by their son, Denis Norrington. 

Photo credit: San Francisco Legacy Business

Armstrong Carpet and Linoleum Company

Location: 369 West Portal Ave.

Established in 1946, Armstrong Carpet and Linoleum Company is a local small business that has provided flooring work and carpets. Armstrong Carpet and Linoleum Company is known for it's custom carpets, expertise in surface flooring and window covering, quality customer service, and excellent workmanship. Armstrong Carpet and Linoleum Company is currently owned by Liam Caldwell, Steve Balestrieri, Anna Marie Balestrieri all San Francisco natives. 

The Ave Bar

Location: 1607 Ocean Ave.

The Ave Bar was opened in 1949 by Bob Wells and former 49ers football player John Schlieh. The bar is known for it's microbrews, special beer tastings, and spirits. Throughout the years, The Ave Bar boasts regular customers, many of whom are local student and faculty alumni from surrounding schools. The Ave Bar is also an active leader in the Ocean Avenue community, with owners Bomani Caungula and Lucia Fuentes Zarate serving on the Ocean Avenue Association and organizing charity events such as the SF Fire Department Annual Toy Drive. 

Photo credit: SF Legacy Business

Twin Peaks Auto Care

Location: 598 Portola Dr.

Twin Peaks Auto Care was opened in 1985 and is known for it's reliable service for many Midtown Terrace, Glen Park, Diamond Heights, Miraloma, and Forest Hill residents. It is also one of the last independently owned gas stations in San Francisco, and continues to provide quality auto care support.

Beep's Burgers

Location: 1051 Ocean Ave.

Since 1962, Beep's Burgers has been the popular go to burger place for San Franciscans, Ocean Avenue residents, and students to grab a bite to eat. Beep's Burgers is known for their brioche buns and Beep's sauce. Beep's Burgers continues to serve as a place for authentic American fast food that has survived challengers such as McDonald's and other chains. At night, Beep's Burgers neon sign lights up and is named after the "beep" of space satellites. 

Photo credit: San Francisco Legacy Business

Faxon Garage

Location: 545 Faxon Ave.

Faxon Garage opened in 1948 and has served as an auto repair shop for the surrounding local community. Faxon Garage has built up a solid relationship of trust with customers with their high standard of vehicle maintenance and repairs. Faxon Garage donates annually to the Ingleside Presbyterian Church’s black tie dinner, City College of San Francisco’s athletic program, and the Lakeshore Elementary School’s annual fundraiser. The current owner is Walee Gon, who has involved Faxon Garage in the Ocean Avenue Association and the Ocean Avenue Revalization Collaborative.

Photo credit: San Francisco Legacy Business

Ocean Cyclery

Location: 1935 Ocean Ave.

Ocean Cyclery has provided bike repair services as well as a seller of bikes, electric bikes, bicycle parts, and accessories. Ocean Cyclery was founded in 1996 by San Francisco native and bike expert Jeffrey Taliaferro. Employees are suited with knowledge on bicycles, bike frames, and models of all kinds. Ocean Cyclery continues to serve the Ingleside community and contributed to the history of the neighborhood. 

Photo credit: Surfaces by David Bonk

Surfaces by David Bonk

Location: 1942 Ocean Ave.

Surfaces by David Bonk was founded in 1988 by David Bonk. The company produces wallpapers for residents of the Ingleside neighborhood and nearby local communities. Surfaces by David Bonk specializes in hand painted wallpaper, done through traditional methods, and customizable upon request. Surfaces by David Bonk vaues the artistry that goes behind the wall cover industry and provide employees with experience in interior design art. 

Photo credit: San Francisco Legacy Business

Korean Martial Arts Center

Location: 1414 Ocean Ave.

Korean Martial Arts was founded in 1983 on Ocean Avenue in Ingleside by Grand Master Jung. Korean Martial Arts aims to serve people of all ages and backgrounds to grow and perfect their skills as a martial artist. Korean Martial Arts values the qualities of being flexible, strong, and humble. They teach different styles such as Taekwondo, Hapkido, Escrima (Filipino Stick Fighting), and judo. 

Randy's Place

Location: 1101 Ocean Ave.

Randy's Place was opened by Sue Castle on April 4th, 1969 and is located in Oceanview. She named the bar after her late son, Randy. Notably, Randy's Place has been in business for over 50 years, and Castle holds the record for San Franisco's longest-serving bartender at one location. Randy's Place is defined by their L-shaped bar, affordable prices, holiday decor, and their iconic sign at the front of the business. 

Photo credit: Ocean Hair Design

Ocean Hair Design

Location: 1619 Ocean Ave.

Ocean Hair Design has long served as a space for residents and community members to receive quality hair services including hair cutting and styling. Ocean Hair Deisgn opened in 1996 and is family owned and run by couple Allen Dang and Cindy Huynh. Ocean Hair Design remains committed and connected to community, providing free haircuts to customers that are unable to afford them.