""I grew up in that bar. I spent more time there than I did in my own home." Rick Figari reflects on his deep connection to the Ha-Ra Club, where his parents met and where he has countless memories."
""This neighborhood was rough and you had to be streetwise. My dad said: 'You're going to get an education.' Now boy, I did! I mean the things you see and have to deal with..." Rick Figari shares the life lessons learned while growing up in the bar."
""For the 25 years I owned the Ha-Ra, it was hard to change the place. I just couldn't bring myself to do it." Rick Figari expresses his reluctance to renovate the bar, valuing its historical integrity."
The Ha-Ra Club, opened in 1956 by Ralph Figari and Hank Hanestad, is the oldest bar in the Tenderloin, celebrating its 70th anniversary. It became a registered legacy business in 2019. Ownership transitioned to Rick Figari after Ralph's death in 1987. Rick grew up in the bar, learning the business from his father. He was hesitant to renovate the bar, maintaining its original character. The bar has remained largely unchanged despite the evolving cast of characters running it over the decades.
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