Ayesha Curry and Michael Mina close downtown SF's International Smoke

International Smoke, a celebrity-owned restaurant in downtown San Francisco’s Millennium Tower, closed after nearly a decade. Owners Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry announced the closure and said the space will be prepared for its next evolution. The restaurant has been closed since May 20, and after a remodel it will reopen as a test kitchen restaurant. The new Neighborhood Test Kitchen will test different concepts every four to six months, including a concept from Ayesha, while also serving as a community gathering space in the financial district. The Mina Group’s culinary leadership will guide an American brasserie concept with bread service and dishes such as steak frites and wood-roasted salmon. The closure is linked to post-pandemic struggles and construction at Millennium Tower that reduced foot traffic.

"“After nearly a decade in San Francisco, International Smoke has officially closed as we prepare the space for its next evolution,” the post read."

"“This space was always meant to evolve, so listening to guests, Chef Mina and The Mina Group are creating Neighborhood Test Kitchen, a restaurant that will test different concepts every four to six months - including one from Ayesha - while serving as a community gathering space in San Francisco's financial district,” it read."

"“This space was always meant to evolve, so listening to guests, Chef Mina and The Mina Group are creating Neighborhood Test Kitchen, a restaurant that will test different concepts every four to six months - including one from Ayesha - while serving as a community gathering space in San Francisco's financial district,” it read."

"Gerald Chin, head of culinary for the Mina Group, will lead what is expected to be an American brasserie concept inside the Financial District space, with bread service and dishes like steak frites and wood-roasted salmon, Mina told Eater SF."

Read at SFGATE