La Cocina, a renowned San Francisco food hall located in the Tenderloin district, has shuttered its doors due to escalating crime and drug activity surrounding the establishment. The closure comes after restaurateurs voiced concerns about the unsettling environment created by open drug dealing, public defecation, and other criminal activities, making it challenging to attract customers.

The food hall, supported by a non-profit organization focused on empowering women of color and immigrant communities, was a celebrated venture, featured in prominent media outlets like Forbes and NBC Nightly News. However, the persistent issues outside the building ultimately led to its downfall.

One chef, Wafa Bahloul, an Algerian immigrant, shared her account with the San Francisco Chronicle, explaining that the perilous conditions outside the food hall made it impossible to entice diners, especially during evening hours. Bahloul's husband reportedly witnessed a shooting incident near La Cocina, highlighting the severity of the situation. Drug use, dealing, public defecation, and littering were commonplace occurrences, necessitating a substantial annual security expenditure of $275,000, a cost the establishment could no longer sustain.

Two security guards employed by La Cocina, Damian Morffet and Ron Haysbert, attributed the food hall's closure to the inaction of City Hall and the police department. They lamented the shift in societal norms, where drug dealers and users now openly occupy public spaces, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for families, children, and individuals seeking a peaceful meal. They criticized the lack of consistent police patrols and intervention, citing instances where blatant offenses, like public defecation, were ignored.

The San Francisco Chronicle has reported on the city's escalating drug problem, revealing that some dealers earn upwards of $350,000 annually. Supervisor Matt Dorsey has called for an investigation into the city's justice system, questioning the allocation of taxpayer-funded legal services to high-earning drug dealers.

The San Francisco Mayor's Office acknowledged the unfortunate closure of La Cocina and affirmed the city's commitment to addressing crime. They highlighted increased drug dealing arrests and collaboration with state and federal law enforcement. The Mayor's Office also pointed to the success of La Cocina's catering operation and plans to repurpose the space as a kitchen to support a larger number of businesses and entrepreneurs. They emphasized the complexity of the situation, requiring collaborative efforts across local, state, and federal levels.