After more than three decades of tradition, the beloved family-owned Filipino-Chinese bakery and restaurant Ling Nam is preparing to expand with two new outposts in South SanFrancisco and Union City.
The South San Francisco location is opening at 231 Grand Ave, continuing the legacy started by founder Tony Lim in 1990. The expansion is being led by the second generation of the family, with Alexson Lim helping grow the business while staying true to its roots.
“The theme here is really continuing my dad’s legacy and modernizing the business,” Lim told WhatNow. “It operated as a mom-and-pop business, and our goal is to bring our food to more communities in the Bay Area.”
The South San Francisco opening carries special significance for the company. Ling Nam originally operated in the city for three decades before being forced to relocate during the pandemic after its landlord sold the property.
The business reopened just a few blocks away in Daly City in 2021 after completing construction under difficult circumstances. “We had to rebuild during the pandemic while everyone was struggling,” Lim said.
The new bakeshop will be located on Grand Avenue, an area Lim describes as undergoing rapid transformation with new restaurants, condominiums and residential developments.
“South San Francisco is booming right now,” he said. “There are a lot of new restaurants coming to Grand Avenue, so I think it’s a great location for us.”
Meanwhile, the Union City location represents a more personal connection to the region. Located near the BART station, the Express concept is being opened by Lim and his wife in the community where they live.
“I live about ten minutes away,” Lim said. “We’ve always wanted to open one here.”
The couple selected the site for its growing Filipino community and its proximity to public transit, making it convenient for commuters and local residents alike.
Unlike most Ling Nam Express locations, the Union City store will include seating, allowing customers to enjoy the bakery’s signature senorita bread fresh from the oven.
“My whole goal is for people to enjoy the senorita bread on a plate, fresh out of the oven,” Lim said. “I see customers eating it right away outside our stores, so having seating gives them that experience.”
Known for blending Filipino flavors with Chinese culinary traditions, Ling Nam has developed a loyal following across the Bay Area, particularly after its sweet, buttery senorita bread gained widespread popularity.
“We’re not just a Filipino restaurant,” Lim said. “We come from the Chinese roots of the Philippines, and that’s what makes us a little different.”
