Tenderloin Buzz: Theatrical matcha, a bookselling cat, and more

"Niebla Librería, a Spanish language bookstore, plans to open in January with a collection focused on original writing from Latin America, as well as works in translation. After some time hosting pop-up shops, Niebla will settle in at 374 Golden Gate Ave. They have four booksellers, one of whom is a cat named Fausto. Thai mainstay and boat noodle haven Zen Yai has moved - but we're all grateful they didn't go far."

"After nearly 20 years at Ellis and Polk, owner Suriya Suksamran said the abandoned Civic Center Inn across the street began drawing open-air drug use and lawlessness to the point where it discouraged his regular customers from coming. When the landlord didn't renew his lease, Suksamran took the opportunity to move to a space he is more optimistic about. He said he feels a "huge difference" already."

"Things have moved fast since then - a program is launching in January in collaboration with United Playaz, which has stepped in to bring some of its SoMa youth and anti-violence programs to the neighborhood. The first priority is a clubhouse-like location for young people to gather outside of school. United Playaz founder Rudy Corpuz said they're working with neighborhood youth to "find a location where they feel comfortable and content.""

A Spanish-language bookstore, Niebla Librería, will open in January at 374 Golden Gate Ave with a collection focused on original Latin American writing and translations; the store will have four booksellers, including a cat named Fausto. Thai restaurant Zen Yai moved from 771 Ellis St. to 925 O'Farrell St. after owner Suriya Suksamran cited drug use and lawlessness near the previous site and a nonrenewed lease; the owner reports a "huge difference" at the new location. A violence-prevention program launches in January with United Playaz prioritizing a clubhouse-like youth space. First Thursdays will host a holiday market December 4, 2025 at 835 Larkin St. with the cast of Compton's Cafeteria Riot and a matcha bar.

Read at Mission Local