Chez Panisse spinoff only has 14 Yelp reviews and no press. It's still mobbed.

"Now, two months in, Bar Panisse has only 14 reviews on Yelp and barely any press. Outlets wrote about the fact that Bar Panisse was opening; none has reviewed it yet. But here's the secret: People are going to Bar Panisse - in droves. In fact, the Chez Panisse offshoot is on fire. Bar Panisse is so popular, it is nearly impossible to get into, even on a weekday. I should know. I tried twice."

"Varun Mehra, who manages both Chez Panisse and Bar Panisse, said they are planning to expand hours soon and expect it will alleviate some of the wait. Mehra said there was a level of built-up anticipation surrounding the debut, but that the opening is now somewhat a blur. "It's a small space with a limited capacity, and there aren't too many similar options nearby, so there was some expectation that it would be well attended," he shared over email."

Bar Panisse opened quietly in December next to Chez Panisse. The opening followed controversy after longtime tenant Cesar was displaced when a sublease was not renewed, prompting protests. The new bar has few Yelp reviews and little press coverage but is extremely popular with long lines and difficult reservations. Patrons wait hours at peak times; some arrive early to secure spots. Management plans to expand hours to ease waits. Limited capacity and few nearby alternatives contribute to sustained demand, with Sundays and Mondays being comparatively quieter.

Read at SFGATE