"On Sunday, Puerto Rican vegan restaurant Casa Borinqueña shared a post on Instagram announcing its plans to exit Saluhall on Jan. 1, 2026. Chef-owner Lulu Nau, who has operated Casa Borinqueña at Saluhall for nearly two years, told SFGATE that the decision came after unfavorable terms in her contract with IKEA's and Saluhall's parent company, Ingka Centres. "I couldn't come to a resolution with Ingka, and we decided that it was time to part ways," Nau said."
"Slow foot traffic has likewise caused a financial strain on Casa Borinqueña. Most weeks, the vegan restaurant will bring in about $500 for the full day, Nau said. "When you're in that place for 12 hours, and all you generate is $500 for the day, you know, it doesn't make any sense," Nau said. "Even with that, I was trying to stick it out. We just couldn't come to a resolution, so I'm leaving.""
Casa Borinqueña plans to exit Saluhall on Jan. 1, 2026 after nearly two years at the downtown food hall. Chef-owner Lulu Nau cited unfavorable contract terms with Ingka Centres as the reason for the departure. Saluhall has seen several vendors leave recently amid slow foot traffic, including Momo Noodle, Tacos El Ultimo Baile, La Venganza and Kayma. Momo Noodle exited to open a brick-and-mortar near Salesforce Park. Kerb Food had managed the two-level food hall until Kerb and Ingka Centres parted ways. Casa Borinqueña averages about $500 per full day, creating an unsustainable operating model for long hours.
Read at SFGATE
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