The Mogannam family has owned the market since 1964, with brothers Ned and Jack operating it for the first 26 years. Back then it was the sort of market where neighborhood housewives could do all their daily shopping and police officers stopped by on their daily beats. Ned’s sons Sam and Raph spent their childhood stocking the grocery shelves after school and on weekends, never dreaming of owning the store one day. Sam and Raph took over the store from their father and uncle in 1997, maintaining the classic art deco façade and the original neon sign celebrated in Michael F. Crowe’s book ‘Deco by the Bay’...
Bi-Rite continues to be a family affair. Sam is the owner, Raph is the head grocery buyer, Mom and Dad Mogannam still help out at the market, and several staff members have been part of the family for years, going back to the days of Sam’s restaurant. Bi-Rite Market evolves along with 18th Street and Dolores Park; as a hub of relaxation, activism, and good eats, their block has become a beating heart of San Francisco!