On Thursday, the San Francisco Planning Commission granted unanimous approval for a conditional use permit for the new Castro bar and nightclub, now named Pink Swallow, located at 500 Castro Street (at 18th), formerly the site of the restaurant and bar Harvey’s.
The Planning Commission endorsed a permit to establish nighttime entertainment on the first and second floors, as well as allowing for a space exceeding 2,000 square feet within the Castro zoning district.
Hoodline first reported the news of the upcoming bar and nightclub last summer. Initially named ‘Brut,’ the project swiftly changed its name to Pink Swallow after realizing it infringed upon an existing LGBTQ business.
Pink Swallow’s co-owners include Beaux general manager and co-owner Joshua J. Cook, bar manager Alexis Lucero, assistant manager Matthew Mello, and financial investors realtor Marco Carvajal and Beaux bartender Garrett Beighton.
Cook explained, “It’s a play on words with multiple meanings, that people of all communities, ages, and backgrounds can enjoy. Pink pays homage and respect to the Castro community, Queer community, pink triangle, and anyone that identifies with the LGBTQIA community.”
He continued, “The swallow is a bird that has many positive symbolic meanings all over the world, such as love, rebirth, luck, loyalty, and overall positive energy. There is a tongue-in-cheek play with the word swallow, too, that’s meant to be flirty.”
The new establishment will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., serving lunch, dinner, brunch, and a late-night menu alongside cocktails. The venue will transition into a nightclub during evening hours.
“We are excited and hopeful that the community will enjoy swallowing all of our delicious food and handmade cocktails,” said Cook.
Cook mentioned that Pink Swallow received letters of support from State Senator Scott Wiener, the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, and the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District.
As previously announced, Pink Swallow will expand into the former Puff ‘n Stuff space at 504 Castro St., necessitating the conditional use permit.
Moving forward, Cook stated that the next steps include obtaining construction permits from the SF Department of Building Inspection and hiring a contractor. Public records estimate construction costs at $525,000.
Cook anticipates releasing the Pink Swallow logo in the next few weeks and completing the interior design. Originally targeting a late summer or early fall 2024 opening, the timeline is now uncertain due to permitting and construction. “We are doing the work to continue moving forward,” said Cook.
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