On a bustling Saturday afternoon on Mission Street, the sidewalks outside Jim’s Restaurant were packed. Some eager attendees scrambled for parking; others weaved through the crowd, trying to secure a spot near the entrance. In the midst of the excitement, a phalanx of cars pulled up and kitchen staff leapt out, hurrying into the diner with arms full of last-minute cooking supplies.
The crowd was here to witness a landmark moment: The grand reopening of Jim’s Restaurant under the leadership of Mission Chefs, a nonprofit committed to culinary innovation and community empowerment. As an extension of Mission Language and Vocational School, a local workforce development program dating back to the early ’60s. Mission Chefs is a new leap for the organization.
For more than three decades, Jim’s Restaurant, with its cozy, unpretentious interior and fast, friendly service, has served as a gathering place for the neighborhood.
When its owners, Mr. and Ms. Kim, mentioned their interest in retiring to longtime Mission resident Tracy Gallardo, a legislative aide to District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton, an executive at the Mission Language and Vocational School, and a die-hard fan of Jim’s breakfasts, started hatching a plan for a friendly takeover.
Now, the breakfasts will continue, but there will also be dinners, and new recipes added to the menu.
Chef Aleks Zavaleta, the new owner and director of Mission Chefs, honored her mother’s legacy at Saturday’s opening. “This milestone represents more than just a new menu; it’s a testament to the courage and determination that brought us here,” she said. Zavaleta’s mother, Mama Rosa, was known for her service in local youth programs, and a few of her recipes are now a staple of Jim’s menu.
“We came here as kids,” said Zavaleta’s sister, Maria. “Just drinking the hot chocolate in those old-fashioned brown cups — it’s memories like that which make this place feel like family.” Watching her sister bring Mission Chefs to life was particularly meaningful. “Her dream is coming true.”
The Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, a group working to preserve the Mission’s cultural and commercial spaces, played a key role in backing Mission Chefs’ transition into ownership. “It’s a legacy business. If you grew up in the Mission, you know Jim’s. You’ve had food here, shared memories here,” said Calle 24’s executive director, Susana Rojas. “At a time when we’re under attack from gentrification, owning spaces like this means our presence in the Mission isn’t erased.”
“This is a moment of hope,” she added. “It’s about empowering new generations to take care of and love the Mission.”
As the sun set, Jim’s buzzed with energy. Laughter and cheers filled the air as diners enjoyed drinks and appetizers under the warm glow of the lights. The kitchen stayed busy, serving a full house. On its first night under new leadership, Jim’s felt more alive than ever.
“ The Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, a group working to preserve the Mission’s cultural and commercial spaces.”
Are they? Are they?
I like the line in the arti complaining about gentrification. But by the looks of that menu, looks like Jim’s Janky ‘Straunt is getting a wee bit gentrified as well. Heh heh heh.
A single independent, community-led business is better than 1,000 chain stores. Let every tax-dodging Walgreens and Starbucks vanish so that local pharmacies and restaurants can thrive.
That’s great for the Community and awesome team work to get Jim’s going again . Congrats 👏🏽