AsiaSF Closing Pushed Back: Last Dinner Show now Sunday, April 28
Media contact: David Perry / (415) 676-7007 /news@davidperry.com
Due to Overwhelming Demand, AsiaSF Closing Pushed Back:
Last Dinner Show now Sunday, April 28
Internationally Acclaimed San Francisco Legacy Business
Entertained Over 1 Million People for 26 Years
Transgender Performers Known for Sell-Out Crowds Are the Stars at this
“Top 100 Hottest Restaurants in America” as Voted by all Opentable Diners Nationwide
22 March 2024 – San Francisco, CA: After announcing the retirement of its owners, and a planned last-evening originally slated for the end of March, due to overwhelming demand for reservations, the closing of San Francisco’s beloved AsiaSF (www.asiasf.com), the storied San Francisco dinner theater and cabaret featuring the world-famous transgender Ladies of AsiaSF, has been pushed back one month to Sunday, April 28. April is also significant as it marks their 26th anniversary in business on April 17th.
“Our reservation phones and emails have been exploding. We have been moved to tears and smiles by the extraordinary response of love and support by the Bay Area community who want to share this amazing experience while they can and bid us farewell,” said Larry Hashbarger, Founder and CEO of AsiaSF. “We are still closing but want to accommodate everyone, so we are giving it one more month.”
“While the AsiaSF signature brick-and-mortar business at 201 9th Street in San Francisco’s South of Market District will close, the intellectual property and the brand of AsiaSF will live on and continue. We have already started the groundwork for pop-up editions of AsiaSF that are really amazing,” Hashbarger continued. “This is very much a transition, and the end of an era. However, hopefully, it is the beginning of new opportunities for our vision and the Ladies of AsiaSF.”
In 1998, a small business that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism was born: AsiaSF. Founded by Larry Hashbarger and Skip Young, the world-famous restaurant, cabaret and nightclub quickly became an iconic entertainment landmark.
“AsiaSF has been a visionary pioneer in supporting the transgender community through empowerment by creating a safe space and unique employment opportunities that showcased our beautiful transgender stars, the Ladies of AsiaSF, said AsiaSF President/COO, Aaron Nelson. “For almost 26 years, The Ladies of AsiaSF, our star performers and hostesses, have continually made our audiences laugh, blush and just be in awe of their talent and beauty.”
Under the direction of show director and choreographer, Ronnie Reddick, guests have delighted in choreographed dance routines and lip sync numbers with beautiful costumes, state of the art sound and lights, which electrify AsiaSF’s dramatic runway stage.
“This sisterhood of diverse performers has mastered the art of celebrating,” said Young. By being their own authentic, welcoming selves, the Ladies of AsiaSF have always provided a warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made AsiaSF “Celebration Central for the Bay Area.”
With Vegas commercial style choreography byReddick and award-winning Cal-Asian cuisine, AsiaSF is a unique interactive, cabaret and dinner entertainment experience. From the moment one enters, the internationally acclaimed “Ladies of AsiaSF” entertain and enlighten you, complete with stand-out-performances featuring original creations by Julian Mendez Couture and Prime Kreations of Los Angeles who has designed for Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner and Megan Thee Stallion.
Voted “One of the Top 100 Hottest Restaurants in America” and “Best Ambiance” by Opentable Diners, AsiaSF has hosted well over 1 million patrons since it opened its doors in 1998. COVID and the need for a seismic building retrofit created challenging conditions. Additionally, COVID changed the dining landscape.
“AsiaSF is a complete entertainment, food and cocktail experience,” says Hashbarger, the creator/producer of Passport – America’s premier fashion show and HIV/AIDS fundraiser – during his three and a half decades as Director of Special Productions for Macy’s. “Our beautiful and talented transgender cast bring our guests into their world from the first second they enter the space. They graciously serve our guests mouthwatering cocktails, while also with their talent and style dish up a song and dance experience that will have you applauding-‘til-your-hands-are-sore. ‘They literally create a transformative experience. I couldn’t be prouder of these inspiring women.”
“One of our missions of AsiaSF has always been to create a trans-positive environment that educates and raises awareness about living your truth and being your authentic self,” Hashbarger sums up, “while at the same time providing our guests with a ‘time of your life’ experience.”
All prices are inclusive of both the dinner and the shows, with cocktails priced separately. For corporate or personal events, reservations of any size party or groups celebrating any and all special occasions – birthdays, friends / family or just life itself go to asiasf.com or call (415) 255-2742.