We opened On Waverly in San Francisco’s Chinatown because we believe in the neighborhood’s future. At a time when questions about belonging, preservation, and progress feel more urgent than ever, we wanted to create a space that honors Chinatown’s past while inviting younger generations to engage with it in a fresh, meaningful way.
Chinatown has always been more than restaurants and souvenirs—it’s been a home, a refuge, and a community that is full of fight and resistance. We are a neighborhood that has survived because of the activism, creativity, and resilience of its people. From organizing labor movements and affordable housing to fighting for civil rights, the neighborhood carries stories of struggle and strength that deserve to be known and celebrated. Our hope is to share that history in a way that feels accessible, alive, and welcoming to all.
This shop and space is a love letter to the stories that built this place—and to the ones still unfolding. We see Chinatown as a vibrant chapter in the American story.