There’s been a lot of buzz around Bernalwood concerning this real estate listing, and now Miss Karen from the beloved and canine-friendly Stray Bar on Cortland has posted an announcement to explain what’s going on:
To our Friends, Customers & Neighbors:
YES! The rumor is true and Stray Bar (and building) are on the market as of this week.
I realize this saddens many of you who have come up to talk to me this past week and it was not an easy decision process by any means. This has been a year with some personal family tragedy – a year that has made me reflect on my goals and dreams for the future – and it is a year that has brought me opportunity to grow further as a small business owner.
There is absolutely no doubt that I have grown, learned, and benefitted from my relationship with so many of you, with this neighborhood, and as a small business owner in San Francisco. Running a business in this city has its challenges and is not for the faint of heart but I encourage anyone with a dream and the ability to pursue that dream to do just that – life is short and opportunities do not present themselves every day. When they do – grab and don’t let go!
Please keep in mind that the process of selling Stray Bar will take some time – licenses, permits, and all that is involved takes some time. During that time we hope you will join us at the bar for a drink, to dream about future endeavors, laugh about past memories, and to continue on with the friendships that we have built over this nearly seven year period.
Bernal Heights is an amazing neighborhood – I like to call it a little village in the midst of the city. We watch out for one another around here, we care, and nowhere have I seen that more than through the friendship, feedback, and support of our Stray Bar clientele.
We are here through January and we hope to see you soon! And please do not be sad – change is good and necessary to growth…
“20 years from now you will be disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the one’s you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain
Respectfully & Sincerely,
Karen Opp
Proprietor / Stray Bar
UPDATE: Coming on the heels of the announced closure of Nervous Dog Coffee earlier in the week, celebrity Bernal Heights journalist Tim Dickinson observes: “This is a bad economy for dog-themed beverage establishments in Bernal.”
PHOTO: Redfin
Bernalwood 
that’s a drag, nice vibe at the Stray. Wishing Karen good future endeavors. Too bad that place isn’t big enough to be a brewpub…or is it? I suppose if you spent another 100k to refit the upstairs. Zoinks, 1.5million!
why is everything that is good in this neighborhood closing? if wild side leaves, i shall riot.
We will miss Stray Bar, but we truly feel the loss of Karen from our community.
I had a wonderful birthday celebration there. They were so welcoming and Karen was the best. We will miss you.
Indeed, the loss of the bar is nothing compared to all that Karen (and Gabe and crew) have given to the neighborhood over the years! If I weren’t knocked up, I’d go drink my face off just like old times (seven months ago.) 🙂 Instead, I’ll be sure to stop by to shed a tear in my club soda on the rocks.
Also, we can NOT lose bar trivia in Bernal!
Thank you all for such kind words! It is a bittersweet decision and one that did not come easily. There’s still several weeks before you will hear or see any changes & I will do my best to keep folks apprised of what is going on — please come in and say hi to Gabe, Marieke & myself during that time – and again, THANK YOU for the support & kindness!
Sincerely,
Karen Opp
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When in Jan. to be closed?! I want to visit b4 closing!
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