By Associate Director of Community Engagement and Project Creative Director Viera Whye 
and A.C.T. Director of Education and Community Programs Natalie Greene 
Featuring the photography of Tasi Alabastro 

Legacy is a central theme in Kim’s Convenience. At its core, it’s a celebration of first-generation immigrants and the cultural bridges between generations. In San Francisco we have an abundance of wonderful local and family-run, immigrant-owned businesses. Our team has enjoyed connecting with business-owners who, much like Mr. Kim, are passionate about their businesses, their families, and the legacies that they are building. 

As part of our commitment to community engagement, as we prepared to host Kim’s Convenience in San Francisco, the A.C.T. Education and Community Programs team dispatched artist Tasi Alabastro to connect with and photograph people and businesses who offer similar snapshots of a family, a business, and a dream.  

The entrepreneurs we have connected with through the “Our Store: Your Story” project have aspirations to run a family business that secures their future and that of their children. Their businesses are a testament to their cultural heritage, values, and love for community, and tell a story of personal identity, pride, and perseverance. 

800 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117 
(415) 563-9780 

Owner: Ami Waters

Eddie’s Café is an Alamo Square neighborhood favorite that has been around for 60 years, first owned by a guy named Eddie, and then owned by two Korean families for many years. Ami Waters, a Korean immigrant had interest in the owning the business for several years before she was able to purchase Eddie's Cafe in April 2025. Ami is grateful and excited to be featured in this project; in her words it is “destiny and magical.” She fondly remembers her husband watching Kim’s Convenience on Netflix and hearing him laughing out loud and wondering what could be so funny! Ami’s husband passed away about a year ago and she keeps him near to her heart. Ami shared how her husband encouraged her to learn and speak English well so she could show up with pride and confidence. Ami was genuinely elated and emotional when speaking of her husband, she honors him in running her café and knows he is always with her.

Ami is most proud of her connection to the neighborhood and the Korean community. Stepping into the café you are greeted by warm and charming décor. Celebrities, politicians, and local folks have dined at the café as evidenced by the photos and awards on the walls. She shared a wonderful story of Julia Roberts having breakfast at the café and not wanting to disturb her but how excited she was to have her there. Former SF Mayor London Breed can also be seen gracing the walls. The large photo montage adds to the charm of the cafe!

Ami runs the business alone, with her 12-year-old daughter providing technical and moral support. Ami is very proud to have fulfilled her dream of owning a restaurant, being part of a vibrant neighborhood, Korean community, and caring for others through her work. She often offers meals to folks who are less fortunate and unable to afford a good meal. Ami highly recommends the pancakes, a customer favorite, and feels they are the best around town!

740 Market St., SF, CA  94102    
(650) 761-9871

Owner: My Huynh

Café Dolci, a kiosk style café, opened in 1999. The current owner, My Huynh brought the business from her cousins in 2019. My has a passion for cooking and when her cousins were looking to sell the business, she was excited to have the opportunity. My came to the U.S when she was in the 9th grade. My comes from a long line of entrepreneurs; her Grandfather, father and mother were all business owners. Prior to buying the store, My taught pre-school at corporations such as Genentech, and although that was rewarding, My is happy to be running her own business and keeping the family tradition. 

My has happily operated the business for the past 6 years. She had to close the store for about a year due to COVID but has been able to sustain a healthy business since reopening. Her mom used to work with her in the store but My is by herself most days. Her two lovely daughters assist her in the store when they are not in school or summer camp.   

Café Dolci is a staple in the community and is an excellent example of what Kim’s Convenience conveys. My is most proud of the relationships she has with her customers, she knows 90% of them by name and has memorized their orders! My also helps folks in the community who may need a meal and don’t have means to pay, she just asks them to be respectful of her other customers. She exercises good negotiation and people skills in managing her very public facing business. Her favorite and fan favorite Banh Mi sandwiches are Traditional Combo, Grilled Pork, and BBQ Chicken.  Café Dolci is around the corner from A.C.T.’s offices at 30 Grant Avenue, and a favorite of A.C.T. staff, one of whom shared “unreal food and service, super sweet and friendly. Feeds half of A.C.T. and is a neighborhood staple.” My’s smile and energy brightens up her customers and the community, she personifies the name of her business “Dolci” meaning sweet, very well!   

1528 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115 
(415) 673-9887 

Owner: Eric Hakwoon Kim 

2025 marks the 10th anniversary since Mr. Kim took over Woori Market, which operates as both a Korean market and a catering service in San Francisco. In Korean, Woori means “we” or “our”—a concept that doesn’t just mean possession, but a shared sense of belonging and community. While some other large Korean supermarkets focus on scale and mass distribution, Woori’s focuses on authenticity, craftsmanship, and personal connection. They specialize in traditional Korean food, made with care, the way it would be prepared at home in Korea. Mr. Kim says, “We are not a family-run business in the traditional sense, it’s not something that’s been passed down for generations, but we are deeply rooted in Korean culture and the local community.” Mr. Kim is committed to giving back to the community, honoring Korean culture, and providing his employees with a foundation to build their futures.  

True to their name, Mr. Kim’s goal has never been to grow “his” market, but “our” market…a place that belongs to everyone who steps through the doors. Mr. Kim believes Korean heritage is best preserved and shared through food, that “what is most Korean is the most universal,” and the flavors, ingredients, and dishes that carry centuries of history can speak to anyone. That’s why their market and catering service aren’t just about selling or delivering food, but about giving people a taste of something genuine, whether they grew up with Korean food or are discovering it for the first time. Woori’s customers come not just to shop, but to share stories about their families, and connect over a shared love of food. Mr. Kim is also there to help their neighbors in times of need. Mr. Kim is a father of five and hopes his children will give back, just as he strives to do. Mr. Kim is most proud of his hard work and running a successful community market; he says, “This isn’t just a business, it’s our way of contributing to the cultural fabric of San Francisco and honoring the legacy of Korean heritage in a way that’s warm, welcoming, and delicious.” 

Ted's Market & Deli

1530 Howard St., San Francisco 
(415) 552-0309 
tedsmarket.com

Owner: Mohamed Ismail and Diaa Askandafi

Ted’s Market was established in July 1967. It was founded by Theodore and Penelope (Ted & Penny) who created Ted's Market and Deli. Penny, better known as Yaiya (“Grandma” in Greek) passed at the young age of 96 in 2017, but her recipes are still used. Diaa and Mo have co-owned the market since 2023. There were other folks interested in buying the market and maybe franchising it, but Diaa and Mo were able to acquire it and keep the original recipes and aesthetics. Throughout the market there are wonderful images that pay tribute to the original owners.  

Ted’s has a strong connection to the community which is evidenced in the fun and the conversations between the owners and customers. The staff and culture of the market are delightful and welcoming. Ted the previous owner said, “Ted’s Market is a place where people come for the food but stay for the stories.” He wanted his customers to have great memories and not only of the food. The community connection and camaraderie are important and nurtured by the current owners. They are most proud of their tasty dishes, making a difference in the community and helping individuals who need support. They donate to food banks and offer catering discounts to community organizations.  

Mo and Diaa are first generation immigrants from Egypt and Syria respectively; they have known each other for more than 20 years and are proud partners since 2006. Family is extremely important to them, and they believe that raising their children the “right way,” to be respectful and generous to others, are key qualities for business and life. We were happy to discover that co-owner Diaa had a connection and insight into A.C.T., he took voice and acting classes at A.C.T. a while back, then headed off to LA for some modeling and acting but decided it was not for him. He acknowledged that acting is lot of work, but it helped his communication and executive presence. Diaa and Mo are excited to be opening a second restaurant later this year at Valencia and 19th in SF! It has been said that Ted’s has the best sandwiches in town!  

782 Arguello Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118 
(415) 751-5121
arguellomarket.com

Owner: Sal Qaqundah

Arguello Market is proud to be known as the “Home of the World-Famous Turkey Sandwich.” Its story begins with Sal, who moved from Palestine to Southern California in 1969 as a teenager. To pay his way through college at Cal State Fullerton, he worked in diners and grocery stores, gaining hands-on experience in the food industry. One of those diners, “Spires” had a $1.49 “Monday night chicken sandwich special” that always drew long lines. That simple yet successful concept left a lasting impression on Sal for his own sandwich venture.  

In 1975, Sal relocated to San Francisco. He first owned a smaller successful store, the “Cable Car Market” at Bush and Powell. After nine years, he was in search of a new opportunity. In 1984, he purchased Arguello Market, nearly everything needed remodeling, except Sal left the deli counter untouched. Instead of chicken, Sal focused on turkey sandwiches. He started in 1987 roasting one whole turkey a day. Thanks to growing demand and a loyal customer base, Arguello now roasts a dozen turkeys daily. The turkey sandwich gained city-wide popularity in the early ’90s and has become legendary. Arguello’s has received extensive media recognition as one of SF’s top sandwich spots.  

Arguello’s location near the University of San Francisco and Golden Gate Park has helped build a strong following. Sal is most proud of his customer loyalty, and the “quantity and quality” of his product. Sal takes special pride in his relationships with longtime customers and the quality of every sandwich served. He provides wonderful service and an incredibly large sandwich that can serve as “lunch and dinner.” Sal has three adult children, one son and two daughters. His son, Peter, has worked alongside him since the age of 15. Together, the family runs the business with care, precision, and passion. Beyond food, Arguello supports the local community, especially the USF basketball team. Arguello branded T-shirts and sweatshirts are spotted in cities across the globe. With nearly four decades of dedication, Sal and his family continue to make Arguello Market a warm and delicious part of San Francisco’s food landscape.