SAN FRANCISCO—An iconic San Francisco landmark has been threatened by eviction due to the city’s plans to expand its ferry terminals to create three new landings. 

Known for its sweeping views of the Bay Bridge, Sinbad’s Pier II Restaurant has occupied prime Bay Area waterfront real estate over the past 40 years. The restaurant has been sinking in legal battles over the past couple years due to the city’s efforts to expand on the area. 

According to port spokesperson Renee Dunn Martin, on Wednesday, October 14, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the restaurant was able to cancel their eviction by filing for bankruptcy protection. Due to the law, Sinbad’s will now be able to stay open until the bankruptcy is settled.

Sinbad’s attorney, Ivan Jen, stated that the restaurant owners understand that they will have to leave, but this filing will allow them to leave on their own terms.

According to Martin, the port plans to knock down Sinbad’s in an effort to further expand the area, and add the new ferry landings terminal and public plaza. This bankruptcy marks the third year that the port authorities have attempted to evict Sinbad’s owners. 

Three years ago, the owners agreed to leave after a lawsuit of unpaid rent landed them an eviction notice, however, the restaurant was able to extend their time until December 2014, and then a second extension was granted until March 2015, which was then extended when the restaurant filed another suit against the City of San Francisco, and the Port of San Francisco for alleging the Port had acted in bad faith.

There is currently a $71,000 judgment against Sinbad’s for back rent, which is one of the reasons why the restaurant claims they need additional time in operation.

The unexpected delay has caused an expensive setback for the Port of San Francisco, as Martin explained, the port had taken out a demolition permit seven months ago on the original date the owners were supposed to vacate the premises. Now that their plans have been delayed, the port is paying a hefty fine each day Sinbad’s is still standing.