As soon as you step in the front door, it’s clear that Saint Frank isn’t your average coffee shop. Nestled in a cozy storefront on Russian Hill’s charming Polk Street, Saint Frank’s clean and bright interior immediately beckons visitors inside.
Owner Kevin Bohlin had dreamt of owning a coffee shop for years before Saint Frank opened its doors. “I love the power and opportunity of coffee to facilitate connections between people, special experiences and culture,” he says.
Instead of the “fast food” mentality of chain coffee shops, Bohlin designed a space that revolves around the human side of coffee and would give people new expectations for what specialty coffee is all about.
Bohlin worked with friends Amanda Loper at David Baker Architects and Ian Dunn of Open Scope Studio to develop a design that would reflect his values and dreams for the business. The white quartz/silestone bar is the room’s focal point, and the diagonal white oak flooring and wainscoting draws the eye to this central workspace.
All of the big machines (water boilers, batch brewers, etc.) are stationed under the counter so that the space remains open and clean and emphasizes the relationship between the barista and the customer. “We don’t hide ourselves, our work, or our messes behind tall bars and equipment,” says Bohlin.
The next time you’re in San Francisco, visit Saint Frank at 2340 Polk Street.
All photos courtesy of Kevin Bohlin
