A visit to the new Flatiron Wines in San Francisco

B

Brad Widelock

Brad Widelock
The store just opened at 2 New Montgomery Street, and it is beautiful. I don’t know what their store in New York is like or what their reputation is, but this store had a series of rooms, each roughly for a wine producing country or large geographic area such as South America, and a nice set up for doing tastings. There was a wide selection from many Disorderly approved importers and winemakers.

I find it interesting that a New York based business chose to open a store San Francisco, one of the most expensive and difficult cites in the country to do business in. I wonder if this is part of a larger expansion plan. I also noticed that K&L has moved into a new location. I don’t know when that happened, but between getting my son to CYO basketball practice and games, Hebrew school and bar mitzvah preparation, this wandering Jew hasn’t gotten into San Francisco much since December.

I also had a chance to stop by the Divisadero location of Bi-Rite Market. I love this store. They make great sandwiches and have a small but a wonderful wine selection. I find wines there that I don’t see at other stores. The Bay Area is fortunate to have so many excellent wine shops, both big and small, with interesting selections, knowledgable staff and good service.

Brad
 
Thanks for the report, Brad. It does sound larger than the NYC version (which is a great shop and is definitely in the top three on the isle of Manhattan).

Would you say that SF is a difficult city for it because there is lots of competition or for high rents or for some other reason?
 
It's interesting, also, to note that in SF, as opposed to NYC, you can sell other things than wine and liquor (and glassware, etc.) in a wine store. Chambers Street Wines, which is our grail, cannot so much as squeak in an olive oil or any other thing.
 
originally posted by Sharon Bowman:
Thanks for the report, Brad. It does sound larger than the NYC version (which is a great shop and is definitely in the top three on the isle of Manhattan).

Would you say that SF is a difficult city for it because there is lots of competition or for high rents or for some other reason?
Click to expand...

San Francisco is difficult for several reasons. First and foremost are the zoning ordinances and the myriad of divisions and sub-divisions. Second, and this pertains to any business that deals with alcohol, is the San Francisco office of the Alcohol Beverage Control department. It's notoriously backlogged. Third, the rents for commercial and residential space are insane. Fourth, parking in much of the city is a nightmare and there are few public garages.

As to competition, in the wine world I'd say there's plenty, but my experience is that most folks buy wine where it's most convenient. This shop is in the financial district, so there's no real competition close by, but you might need to sell a kidney for a parking spot.

I hope these folks are successful, and I look forward to going back.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top