Imperial Garden Seafood Restaurant to Close in December

The San Francisco staple will shutter its San Bruno Avenue location after 31 years of business.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Imperial Garden Seafood Restaurant to Close in December

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Imperial Garden Seafood Restaurant is scheduled to serve its final meal on December 31, 2026. The business, a fixture in the Portola neighborhood since 1995, will permanently close following the sale of the property earlier this year.

Why it matters

The closure stems from long-term financial losses and challenges unique to the area, including limited parking and decreased dining frequency. The owner chose to accept an early lease exit option offered by the new property owners.

The restaurant operated for 31 years before its upcoming closure. Security challenges previously impacted the business, which saw three break-ins during 2022.

The players

Imperial Garden Seafood Restaurant

A long-standing dining establishment that has operated on San Bruno Avenue in San Francisco since 1995.

Menny Ly

A staff member who joined the restaurant team in 2023.

Sassy Foods

A food service entity currently operating out of the restaurant that plans to relocate to the East Bay.

The details

To generate revenue amid financial hardship, the establishment hosted movie nights and subleased its kitchen. While the restaurant shuts down, its partner, Sassy Foods, intends to relocate operations to the East Bay.

The restaurant opened in 1995.
Three break-ins occurred at the restaurant in 2022.
Menny Ly joined the restaurant staff in 2023.
The property was sold in February 2026.
The restaurant will serve its final meal on December 31, 2026.

Market Landscape

The closure reflects broader retail consolidation in San Francisco where property sales often outweigh legacy status. This move forces local staples to either relocate to areas like the East Bay or exit the market entirely.

Patrons planning to visit the Portola site should finalize their plans before the December 31, 2026, closing date. Local diners will need to seek alternatives as the neighborhood loses this long-running seafood option.

The takeaway

Legacy businesses often face intense pressure from changing neighborhood demographics and property market fluctuations. Owners may find that even with established community roots, operational shifts like early lease exits become necessary financial survival tools.