Elephant Sushi’s three current locations — one in Russian Hill, one on Geary Street by Union Square, and one in Downtown Oakland — bill themselves as intimate, neighborhood spots with date-night ambiances. But over the last year, like the rest of the restaurant industry, they’ve had to readjust. “COVID-19 has forced us to redefine ourselves,” says co-owner Elena Neustadt. “We’ve had to embrace take-out and delivery in a way we never have before. We’re used to serving our immediate, intimate communities. Now, we’re serving up sushi to the entire city.”
Which is why, when Neustadt came across a vacancy in Hayes Valley, she jumped at the opportunity to open a fourth location in her favorite neighborhood. The new place, at 400 Grove Street, is an estimated 2,000 square feet, with more room for larger parties, and according to Neustadt, will have a “urban minimalist feel where the craft of sushi speaks for itself.”
Neustadt is currently looking for a head chef for the new spot, and will have the keys in hand by the end of the month. “We’re just so grateful to the city of San Francisco and our whole team at Elephant Sushi,” she said. “We’ve put so much effort into redefining ourselves, into staying strong for our customers, and in return the people of San Francisco have been a huge support.”
Unlike an unfortunate number of restaurants over the last year, Elephant Sushi has held its own — its Russian Hill spot on Hyde Street only closed for four days throughout the COVID-19 pandemic — and based on its track record, it’s safe to assume the new spot will hold just as strong. Neustadt is unsure when they’ll be able to officially open on Grove Street, but each of their three current locations should be up and running for indoor dining soon.
