One of SF's most reliable line magnets, Bi-Rite Creamery, is closing on March 4 for a "months-long" remodel, and this is likely to make many a tourist and ice cream fiend sad.
I've never fully understood the popularity of a) ice cream in general on anything but the five days a year when it's legit hot in San Francisco, or b) Bi-Rite Creamery specifically. But I know one thing for sure: 9 times out of every 10 that I've passed by the corner of 18th and Dolores in the last 10 years, there has been a line for Bi-Rite Creamery.
So now that Eater is reporting that the place is going to be closed from early March until "at least May," I can only imagine the panic that is rippling across the local foodinista universe.
All is not lost, though! Never ones to lose a business opportunity, Bi-Rite is going to park their new, solar-powered ice cream truck right outside the 3692 18th Street location for the duration of construction — but it will only serve a selection of popular flavors in pre-packed cups, along with ice cream sandwiches, popsicles, and such.
The construction is happening because of the same mandatory earthquake retrofitting that has also temporarily closed other businesses around town like Mad Dog in the Fog. But the renovated Creamery will return with "a complete redesign and even new menu offerings," as a rep tells Eater.
Also, in the meantime, you can still get fresh scoops at the Creamery's Divisadero and Civic Center (52 Grove St.) outposts.