Mochi Muffin Mini-Empire Third Tradition Bakery Closes Down Closing San Francisco Store on Irving Avenue

After two years in business in San Francisco, Third Culture Bakery announced its 549 Irving Street location is closing as of Sunday, June 2. In an Instagram post, owners Wenter Shyu and Sam Butarbutar say the shop is closing due to the difficulty of retaining team members at that location. The post states the situation has “caused a strain on our existing store operations and overall well-being as we expanded our footprint into SF.”

Rather than continue, the two owners sold the location to another AAPI-owned small business MOMO TEAS, they say. This closing follows the shuttering of Third Culture’s other San Francisco shop in the Mission District, which closed in March 2023 following two years on Valencia Street; that business closed due to theft issues and “unsavory incidents” involving people urinating and defecating in their doorway, Shyu told Eater SF at the time.

The company previously faced social media backlash after the San Francisco Chronicle reported Shyu and Butarbutar held the trademark on the phrase “mochi muffin” back in 2022. The duo allegedly sent cease and desist letters over the use of the term, but have since surrendered the trademark status due to the negative reactions from fans and customers.

Along with news of the closure, the couple announced they’ll ramp up offerings at their flagship store in Berkeley, which will remain open. Matcha and tea workshops are on the docket, as well as factory tours to see how the company’s mochi muffins and doughnuts are made. The Walnut Creek store also remains open, and muffins and doughnuts will continue to be available via wholesale partners and cafes.