Open double doors reveal a cafe with red curtains, checkered floor, wine bottles on display, and two people near the counter.
Doors open at HI NRG's brick-and-mortar location on Geary Blvd. Photo by Nicholas David.

“Richmond Buzz” is a recurring column on changes, tidbits and other news from the Richmond. Check out our Richmond web page for more.

Got news? Send tips to nicholas.david@missionlocal.com.

Inner Richmond coffee pop-up-turned-brick-and-mortar HI NRG opened ever-so-quietly at its brand-new 5801 Geary Blvd. location early Wednesday morning.

Owners Luis Gonzalez and Nathan Kruse made sure not to announce before they opened up shop, but they won’t be able to keep the crowds away for long. 

Wednesday might be the only day in that location’s history without a long line, and your correspondent happened to be walking by. Here’s your first look at the newly redesigned space, replete with velvet curtains, a disco ball and under-seat bins — what for, you may ask?

“You ever walk into a place with nowhere to put your jacket?” asked Gonzalez.

  • Open double doors reveal a cafe with red curtains, checkered floor, wine bottles on display, and two people near the counter.
    Doors open at HI NRG’s brick-and-mortar location on Geary Blvd. Photo by Nicholas David.
  • A person orders at a café counter while a barista stands behind it; a DJ plays music in the corner. Shelves with bottles and plants are visible.
    A customer walking up to the counter at HI NRG’s first “quiet open” day Sept. 16 2026. Photo by Nicholas David.
  • A woman sits alone at the end of a long wooden bench, drinking from a glass. Four empty clear chairs face small black tables on a green and white checkered floor.
    A customer enjoying a cup of coffee at HI NRG’s first “quiet open” day Sept. 16 2026. Photo by Nicholas David.
  • Four people are in a coffee shop; three behind the counter preparing drinks, and one customer stands in front. Bottles, flowers, and equipment are on the counter and shelves.
    Baristas at work at HI NRG’s first “quiet open” day Sept. 16 2026. Photo by Nicholas David.
  • A DJ booth with turntables, a plant, a plush toy, a triangular plaque, and red glass bricks, next to a red curtain.
    Decor at HI NRG on Sept. 16, 2026. Photo by Nicholas David.
  • A cube-shaped sign with a grid design and the text “HI NRG” hangs above a door with red curtains and the number 5801 visible below.
    A custom light fixture hanging over the door at HI NRG on Sept. 16, 2026. Photo by Nicholas David.
  • Three people work behind a coffee shop counter while a customer waits in front; coffee equipment and bottles are visible on the counter and shelves.
    Baristas at work at HI NRG’s first “quiet open” day Sept. 16 2026. Photo by Nicholas David.
  • Three people work behind a coffee shop counter with various equipment, plants, and bottles; a turntable setup is visible on the left against a cream-colored wall.
    Baristas at work at HI NRG’s first “quiet open” day Sept. 16 2026. Photo by Nicholas David.
  • Street view of a cafe with large windows and red curtains; a sign reads “High Energy for all your energy needs! Coffee, Music, Wine.” People are visible sitting inside.
    HI NRG’s brick-and-mortar location on Geary Blvd. Photo by Nicholas David.

HI NRG will see its official grand opening Sept. 23.

A window sign features an illustrated cat wearing sunglasses above the words “The Cat’s Whiskers” in cursive lettering.
Signage for The Cat’s Whiskers at 3532 Balboa St., pictured Sept. 16, 2026. Photo by Nicholas David.

There’s a new restaurant coming to 3532 Balboa St. near 37th Avenue, the former location of Eat Americana. Signage recently appeared for The Cat’s Whiskers, which registered at the location in May, according to city records.

A man wearing glasses and a light blue polo shirt stands inside a restaurant with orange walls, chandeliers, and a painting on the wall.
Chef Ghanashyam “Sam” Kandel at Ocean Indian Cuisine at 6127 Geary Blvd., pictured Sept. 16, 2026. Photo by Nicholas David.

At Ocean Indian Cuisine at, 6127 Geary Blvd. near 25th Avenue, chef Ghanashyam “Sam” Kandel says he will donate a portion of this month’s profits — at least 10 percent, if not more — to disaster relief in his home country of Nepal, which has been ravaged by floods.

“There are still people missing,” Kandel said through an employee, who translated from his native Nepali. “We can see the pain of the people whose (family) members are there.”

Hand-drawn flyer reads “Artist Alley” with info: 253 Clement, Thursday Sept. 17th, 5–8pm; featuring rad zines, a free button maker, and sick patches. Black and green text with illustrations.
A flier for the Sept. 17 “Artist Alley” event at 253 Clement St. Courtesy of Evan Sirchuk.

Stop by 253 Clement St. near Fourth Avenue for an “Artist Alley” event Sept. 17, featuring five local artists, including its organizer, local arts instructor Evan Sirchuk.

“I’m personally interested in de-commodifying artistic space,” Sirchuk said. He added that he wants it to be a place where artists can not only sell things, but also meet one another.

The event will run from 5 until 8 p.m., and there will be free button making.

5203 Geary Blvd. chocolatier Topogato quietly shuttered this week, as reported by the San Francisco Standard. Its owner, Simon Brown, told the Standard he just couldn’t make it work.

Storefront of Butter Love Bakeshop in San Francisco with a blue bench, window display of pastries, and a sidewalk chalkboard sign.
Butter Love Bakeshop at 3717 Balboa St., pictured Sept. 16, 2026. Photo by Nicholas David.

Be advised: At Butter Love Bakeshop at 3717 Balboa St. near 38th Avenue, the “after-school special” discount means a cookie and a drink can be yours for $6. The discount applies to all ages; your correspondent made sure to ask.

Nicholas was born and raised in San Francisco, and has been tracking the city's changes and idiosyncrasies ever since. He holds a bachelor's degree in English literature, and has written for local outlets since 2024.

Nicholas writes the "Richmond Buzz" neighborhood column, and covers culture and news across town.

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