I never imagined I would have to ask for help like this. For almost two years, I have had the honor of stewarding Tommaso’s, one of San Francisco’s oldest family-owned restaurants and home to our beloved historic wood-fired oven. For 90 years, families, friends, neighbors, and visitors have gathered here to celebrate milestones and share everyday moments. Tommaso’s has never been just a restaurant—it is part of San Francisco’s heart.

After surviving the pandemic, rising costs, equipment failures, inflation, and the many challenges facing independent restaurants, we have fallen behind on rent. We have now been served with a Three-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit, and without immediate help, Tommaso’s could close forever.

We are asking our community to help us bring our rent current and give us a chance to stabilize the business. These funds will help us pay our past-due rent and keep our dedicated staff employed. If Tommaso’s has ever been part of your life—if you have celebrated here, shared a meal with loved ones, or believe San Francisco’s historic small businesses deserve to survive—I humbly ask for your support. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to keeping our doors open. If you cannot donate, please share this campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. That simple act could help save this special place.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in Tommaso’s, our staff, and the importance of preserving a piece of San Francisco’s history. My hope is that, together, we can keep the fire in our historic oven burning for generations to come.

With gratitude,
Maureen Donegan
Steward, Tommaso’s Restaurant