Hanson Li, the founder of Salt Partners Group, a San Francisco-based food and beverage development company, which includes high-end restaurants, added Lazy Susan to its portfolio in February 2021. Now, exactly one year later, the takeout and delivery restaurant has moved from its original Fell Street location to 811 Ulloa Street. The 1,040 square-foot space with 14 seats opened on Wednesday, February 16, 2022.
“We have delivery, takeout, and at the new location we have several tables for dine-in customers,” Co-Owner Hanson Li explained over email with What Now San Francisco. “We will serve wine and beer, but right now the liquor license is pending. With the focus on takeout and delivery, the curbside logistics is as important as the location for walk-by traffic. We have several white passenger loading spots out front, and we are 30 yards from a 30-car municipal parking lot.”
Li says his neighbors have welcomed Lazy Susan with open arms.
“Our neighborhood of West Portal is truly an amazing community,” he added. “We have had a dozen different local businesses, including other restaurants, come by to say hi, and wish us well. Ahead of our opening, nearby residents came by telling us how excited they are. Though we are still in San Francisco, West Portal feels like a small town, including the bar across the street, called Philosophers Club. It totally feels like Cheers.”
The menu offers 25 favorite Chinese-American dishes. Appetizers include Crab Rangoon, Lazy Susan Chicken Wings, and Chili Wontons. Popular main courses include Orange Chicken, Chow Mein, and Buddha’s Delight. The key ingredient for a successful Chinese food takeout business is using tried and tested full-flavored sauces to ensure a great-tasting fare after it has arrived at its destination, according to Li.
The name Lazy Susan was inspired by the spinning turntable — a Thomas Jefferson invention — placed on a table to make it easier to share family-style dishes. The all-American rotating tray found in most American households is an ideal aid to distribute Chinese food.
For now, Lazy Susan is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. Catering is available from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Lunch hours will become available in a couple of months.
