After 28 years in San Francisco, Bissap Baobab will close its Mission Street location at the end of December. The restaurant announced on social media that it will host a farewell party to honor its legacy and has invited customers to join for one last celebration.
Iconic West African Spot Bissap Baobab to Close After 28 Years
Bissap Baobab, in the heart of the Mission District, has been a beloved West African restaurant and community gathering spot. Senegalese entrepreneur Marco Senghor founded the restaurant in 1996, inspired by the Senegalese idea of teranga (warm hospitality).
In a post on Instagram, the restaurant wrote, “Dear Friends and Community, After 28 unforgettable years filled with rhythm, laughter, dancing, and Mission District magic, Bissap Baobab is entering a new chapter.”
The restaurant owner said the decision was emotional and difficult: “Our last official night at this location will be Sunday, December 28th. And we hope you’ll join us in celebrating these final Baobab days. From now until then, we will keep the party going with all the amazing events we have scheduled on our calendar.”
“Before we dim the lights, we’re throwing one final Farewell Party on Saturday, December 20th, and we’d love for you to join us. Come raise a glass, dance with us, and help us fill the room with all the joy, flavor, and energy that have defined Baobab for nearly three decades. It’s not goodbye—it’s “see you on the dance floor,” added the restaurant.
The restaurant shared that the decision was very emotional and difficult and shared, “These walls have witnessed weddings, birthdays, revolutions, breakups, makeups, miracles, and thousands of nights where cultures blended like spices in a Ceebu Jen pot. However, sustaining such a large space has become too difficult in these times.”
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Bissap Baobab Stays Alive and Plans for a New Home
Despite the closure, the team emphasized that Baobab is not finished and is actively searching for a new home, and said, “Let us be clear: Baobab is NOT done. We are actively looking for a new home. The Baobab bends, but it never breaks.”
While looking for a new location, Baobab will continue hosting its Baobab Flying Night every Saturday at Muddy Waters Café. The RSVP-only event is limited to 49 guests. The restaurant shared more details and assured that the whole team remains optimistic for the next part of the chapter, and it will come back soon for its loyal fans.
Bissap Baobab cited financial strain and the challenges of managing a large space as the reasons for closing. The closure marks the end of an iconic Mission District venue, known for its authentic West African cuisine and vibrant cultural presence.
