After four decades in San Francisco, Don Ramon’s restaurant has finally closed.
The March 31 closure was announced on Don Ramon’s website late last week. Second- and third-generation family owners — Leonila, Nati, Lucy, and Nathalee Ramirez — wrote a lengthy post, noting that they had worked tirelessly to save the restaurant, but “…it ended up being hard work, supporting the Community, Love and Tradition” is not enough.”
“It breaks our hearts to say goodbye to our customers, especially our regular customers who have called Don Ramon’s a home from home for years,” the message reads in part. “…We’ve welcomed people from all walks of life through our doors — we’ve celebrated everything from baby showers and weddings and quinceañeras to retirement dinners, wakes and memorial services — while catering to the city’s political establishment.”
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the closure came after the Ramirez family’s landlord at 225 11th St. increased their monthly rent from $10,000 to $15,000. (The Chronicle and SFGATE are both owned by Hearst but have separate editorial offices.)
Trouble arose early in the pandemic as the Ramirez family faced financial setbacks from a business gone awry. In 2014, the family rented the office space above their SoMa restaurant to a non-profit organization, which illegally converted the space into residential units. The Chronicle reports that the Ramirez family, who owned the building, were unaware of the illegal housing upstairs.
Don Ramon’s has closed in San Francisco after more than 40 years.
Photo by Kitty L. on Yelp
According to SFist, they took out a $5 million loan to repair plumbing damage caused by tenants. When the pandemic broke out in early 2020, the Ramirez’s faced foreclosure because they were unable to make loan payments but were able to keep the restaurant running with the help of city leaders. That same year, Don Ramon received San Francisco Legacy Business status.
The restaurant first opened in 1982 owned by Ramon and Guadalupe Ramirez. Together, the couple served family and regional fare from the state of Jalisco.
The Chile Verde had been a staple on the menu for decades. A 1984 restaurant review by The San Francisco Examiner described the chile verde dish (priced at $7.75 at the time) as a filling, hearty meal made with “juicy diced pork” topped with a spicy anchovy Coated in chili sauce. Don Ramon’s has also been known for many of its other menu offerings since its inception. Among them were dishes like Chilis Rellenos, Enchiladas and the famous Chili Colorado.
