For nearly nine decades, Harrington's Bar & Grill stood as a fixture of San Francisco's Financial District. Since opening its doors in 1935, the iconic Irish tavern served as a gathering place for generations of business leaders, politicians, neighborhood regulars, and visitors seeking a sense of community in the heart of the city.
When Harrington's closed following a series of post-pandemic challenges, many saw it as another sign of the struggles facing downtown San Francisco.
A group of local entrepreneurs saw something else entirely: an opportunity to preserve a beloved institution while contributing to the city's ongoing revitalization.
"We're continuing the legacy of the Harrington family and all they built over nearly a century," says entrepreneur and hospitality leader Ben Bleiman. "At the same time, we're helping reinvigorate the local economy and contribute to the future of downtown San Francisco."
Preserving a Piece of San Francisco History
Bleiman has spent much of his career shaping San Francisco's hospitality scene. Alongside longtime business partner Duncan Ley, he previously owned and operated numerous bars and restaurants throughout the city. He also serves as President of the Entertainment Commission and founded the San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance, where he advocates for policies that support local businesses and vibrant nightlife.
His belief that hospitality plays a critical role in urban recovery made Harrington's impossible to ignore.
"I absolutely believe that nightlife and entertainment are essential to downtown revitalization," Bleiman says. "People need reasons to come downtown, gather, and experience the city together."
That vision aligned with the goals of Chris and Jason Freise of Redco Development and hospitality professional Lucia Camarada. Together, they formed Friends of Harrington's LLC with a mission to preserve the business while creating a sustainable future for the historic property.
The group worked closely with the Harrington family, whose stewardship of the restaurant spanned three generations.
"The family wanted to see Harrington's continue," Bleiman says. "After meeting with us, they understood that our goal wasn't to replace what they had built. It was to honor it and help it thrive for another generation."
Bringing Harrington's Back to Life
The ownership group secured a master lease with an option to purchase the property, brand, and business assets before reopening Harrington's on St. Patrick's Day 2024.
The reopening was met with enthusiasm from longtime patrons and downtown workers who viewed the restaurant's return as a welcome sign of renewed energy in the Financial District.
But for the new ownership team, reopening the doors was only the first step.
Creating long-term stability required securing ownership of the property itself.
"Owning your location gives you the ability to invest in the future with confidence," Bleiman says. "It allows you to focus on growing the business and serving your customers instead of worrying about uncertainty down the road."
Investing in Long-Term Success
To complete the acquisition, the ownership group partnered with Five Star Bank and TMC Financing to secure financing that would support the purchase and future growth of the business.
According to Bleiman, the financing partners understood the broader significance of the project.
"Our teams at TMC and Five Star Bank understood what Harrington's means to San Francisco," he says. "They looked beyond the numbers and understood the value of preserving a legacy business and investing in downtown's future."
The acquisition represents more than a real estate transaction. It reflects a growing commitment among entrepreneurs and investors who believe San Francisco's downtown core remains an important economic and cultural center with significant long-term potential.
As commercial real estate professionals, the ownership group recognized that the acquisition aligned well with the goals of the SBA 504 Loan Program, which helps small business owners secure long-term ownership of owner-occupied commercial real estate. The financing structure enabled the partners to preserve capital while investing in the future of the business and the surrounding community.
A Legacy Worth Protecting
Today, Harrington's stands as both a tribute to its past and a symbol of San Francisco's resilience.
The restaurant continues to honor the traditions and character that made it a local institution while welcoming a new generation of patrons. For Bleiman and his partners, preserving that balance is essential.
"Every successful business has a story," he says. "Our responsibility is to respect what made Harrington's special while ensuring it remains relevant and successful for years to come."
The revival of Harrington's also offers lessons for business owners throughout California: invest in relationships, think long term, and recognize the value of becoming part of the communities you serve.
As San Francisco continues its evolution, the return of Harrington's Bar & Grill demonstrates that preserving local institutions can play an important role in shaping the city's future.
Sometimes revitalization begins not with something new, but with bringing something meaningful back to life.
About TMC Financing
TMC Financing is the nation's leading SBA 504 lender and a nonprofit Certified Development Company (CDC) dedicated to helping small businesses access affordable commercial real estate financing. Since 1981, TMC has provided approximately $16 billion in SBA 504 financing to more than 8,000 small businesses across California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and Oregon, supporting business growth, job creation, and long-term economic development. Through the SBA 504 loan program, TMC helps business owners purchase, construct, and refinance owner-occupied commercial real estate with below-market down payments and long-term fixed-rate financing.
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