San Francisco Iconic Fog City Diner Closes After 40 Years

Fog City, formerly Fog City Diner, a landmark San Francisco restaurant credited with helping launch the city's small plates movement and defining the modern American diner, has permanently closed after 40 years in business. The restaurant, which opened in 1985 and became famous for its inventive cuisine, iconic neon signage, and appearances in pop culture such as the film 'So I Married an Axe Murderer' and a Visa commercial, announced its closure via social media, citing May 30, 2025, as its final day of service but offering no reason for the abrupt shutdown. Founded by Bill Higgins, Bill Upson, and chef Cindy Pawlcyn, Fog City became a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, evolving from its original retro diner aesthetic to a more modern concept after a 2013 renovation. The closure has been met with an outpouring of nostalgia from longtime patrons and staff, who called it the 'end of an era.' Its four-decade run is notable in an industry where only about one-third of restaurants survive past ten years, reflecting both its historical significance and the challenges of the restaurant business. The site at 1300 Battery Street has a rich history, having served as a roundhouse, a WWII cafeteria, and gathering place before its iconic run as Fog City.