San Francisco’s restaurant scene came alive on Tuesday, February 26, as local business owners gathered for a networking event to inspire growth and connections. Hosted by Caleb Spivak at Fisch & Flore, located at 2298 Market Street, the Accelerate event brought together an impressive group of restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.
Fisch & Flore is owned and operated by Serhat Zorlu and manager Sarah Papa. It is known for its upscale ambiance and commitment to fresh, high-quality seafood. Attendees mingled over beverages and delicious snacks from the restaurant, discussing the challenges and opportunities in the fast-paced culinary world and exploring ways to grow their businesses and strengthen their local communities.
Serhat Zorlu, a longtime customer of Cafe Flore, took over the iconic establishment in San Francisco and renamed it Fisch & Flore. The new venture blended the cafe’s beloved atmosphere with Zorlu’s fresh vision, offering a unique experience for longtime regulars and newcomers. Today, the restaurant serves a delicious mix of fresh seafood, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and classic comfort foods crafted with a modern twist.
The event, organized by Spivak, the CEO and Founder of What Now Media Group, brought together more than 20 restaurant owners, including notable figures from the city’s diverse dining scene. Among the attendees were representatives from popular spots like The Summer Place, Nobibi, Smish Smash, and Studio Centro. Each contributed their unique perspectives on what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive restaurant landscape, especially in a city like San Francisco.
Throughout the evening, Spivak facilitated discussions encouraging entrepreneurs to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Many key takeaways included the importance of community connections and the value of pivoting during difficult times. With the hospitality industry’s ever-changing demands, many speakers emphasized the need for flexibility, especially when adapting menus, service models, and marketing strategies.
In addition to discussions on overcoming operational hurdles, the event highlighted the power of local partnerships. Guests learned how collaborating with other businesses can open doors for cross-promotion, community engagement, and increased foot traffic. Caleb Spivak shared his insights on cultivating these relationships, and the event provided ample time for attendees to network and explore potential partnerships.
Attendees included key restaurant owners such as Cem Bulutoglu of The Parthenon, Adam Wren from Onson, and Nelab Amin of Kabob. They shared their stories of resilience and success, from navigating the pandemic to evolving their businesses in an increasingly digital world.
Industry experts also played an integral role in the event, offering advice and guidance. Owner Ron Ramsubhag and business partner Joanne Brohmer from Hôtel Biron Wine Bar & Art Gallery provided valuable insights on their concept. Another highlight was hearing from owner Ari Feingold from Proposition Chicken, who discussed how their restaurant has been doing while working on a new location coming to San Francisco’s West Portal neighborhood.
Several key partners joined the discussion, including Elisa Safanda of Our Town America: Marketing, who offered valuable advice on how effective marketing strategies can help businesses stand out in a competitive market. SpotOn was well-represented by Austen Arnaud, Rich Alden, and Zach Babikian, who each provided their expertise on how their services can optimize payment processing and enhance customer engagement. Freddy Santos from TagRisk also spoke about the importance of risk management for businesses looking to minimize potential liabilities.
As the evening ended, many attendees expressed gratitude for connecting with peers and experts, with several planning to follow up on potential collaborations. The event was a testament to the power of community and the importance of supporting one another in an ever-evolving industry.
With Fisch & Flore’s welcoming atmosphere and Caleb Spivak’s vision for fostering growth and collaboration, this event marked another success in the ongoing effort to strengthen San Francisco’s vibrant restaurant community.
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Stay tuned for future Accelerate events from What Now Media Group in 2025. For more details, see the Accelerate page here.
