Julie Zigoris

Stepping onto the factory floor at Torani—the local-yet-global brand of flavored syrups—is like walking into a giant cotton-candy machine. All around you is the sweet aroma of spun sugar, the sound of equipment whirring, the sight of aluminum tanks glistening. A complex digital system from Germany keeps the ingredients flowing through the pipes, allowing the factory to produce 60,000 cases of syrup a day.&nbsp;

core/paragraph

Stepping onto the factory floor at Torani—the local-yet-global brand of flavored syrups—is like walking into a giant cotton-candy machine. All around you is the sweet aroma of spun sugar, the sound of equipment whirring, the sight of aluminum tanks glistening. A complex digital system from Germany keeps the ingredients flowing through the pipes, allowing the factory to produce 60,000 cases of syrup a day.&nbsp;

“It’s the Sistine Chapel of industrial piping,” said Greg Phillips, director of manufacturing at Torani.&nbsp;

“It’s the Sistine Chapel of industrial piping,” said Greg Phillips, director of manufacturing at Torani.&nbsp;

It’s a far cry from the humble roots of the business, a remnant of which is an antique bottling machine that stands in the front lobby of the now more than 300,000-square-foot factory in San Leandro.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

It’s a far cry from the humble roots of the business, a remnant of which is an antique bottling machine that stands in the front lobby of the now more than 300,000-square-foot factory in San Leandro.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ezilda and Rinaldo Torre began Torani in 1925 in North Beach with just five flavors: tamarindo, orgeat, lemon, grenadine and anisette, based on family recipes from their native Lucca, Italy.&nbsp;

Ezilda and Rinaldo Torre began Torani in 1925 in North Beach with just five flavors: tamarindo, orgeat, lemon, grenadine and anisette, based on family recipes from their native Lucca, Italy.&nbsp;

The castle on the bottle’s red, yellow and blue label references a famous tower in Lucca, and Torani is a portmanteau between Torre and Melani, a grocery wholesaler that used to sell the syrup.&nbsp;

The castle on the bottle’s red, yellow and blue label references a famous tower in Lucca, and Torani is a portmanteau between Torre and Melani, a grocery wholesaler that used to sell the syrup.&nbsp;

The company now crafts more than 150 flavors in house, with premium ingredients sourced from around the U.S., including sugar—30,000 pounds of it a day—from nearby C&amp;H Sugar Company in Crockett.&nbsp;

The company now crafts more than 150 flavors in house, with premium ingredients sourced from around the U.S., including sugar—30,000 pounds of it a day—from nearby C&amp;H Sugar Company in Crockett.&nbsp;

Torani director of manufacturing Greg Phillips examines bottles of Torani Toasted Marshmallow syrup as they exit a labelling station on Monday, April 17, 2023, in San Leandro, Calif. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED01_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153115"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Torani director of manufacturing Greg Phillips examines bottles of Torani toasted marshmallow syrup as they exit a labeling station. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED01_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153115"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Torani director of manufacturing Greg Phillips examines bottles of Torani toasted marshmallow syrup as they exit a labeling station. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The private business has grown a stunning <a href="https://peprofessional.com/blog/2022/02/01/one-sweet-transaction-satori-invests-torani/">20% year over year</a> for the past 32 years, according to Melanie Dulbecco, Torani’s chief executive officer, by capitalizing on the flavored latte revolution and meeting consumer demand. Today the company’s main competitors are Monin (for syrup) and Ghirardelli (for sauce) in a market that continues to expand.&nbsp;

The private business has grown a stunning <a href="https://peprofessional.com/blog/2022/02/01/one-sweet-transaction-satori-invests-torani/">20% year over year</a> for the past 32 years, according to Melanie Dulbecco, Torani’s chief executive officer, by capitalizing on the flavored latte revolution and meeting consumer demand. Today the company’s main competitors are Monin (for syrup) and Ghirardelli (for sauce) in a market that continues to expand.&nbsp;

Torani is women-run and family-owned, and it retained 96% of its employees when it moved across a bridge from South San Francisco to San Leandro in 2020.

Torani is women-run and family-owned, and it retained 96% of its employees when it moved across a bridge from South San Francisco to San Leandro in 2020.

Nearly a century after its founding, Torani’s continued growth makes the San Francisco cityscape mural in its front offices—in which the Salesforce Tower is replaced by a Torani bottle—seem like more than a mirage.&nbsp;

Nearly a century after its founding, Torani’s continued growth makes the San Francisco cityscape mural in its front offices—in which the Salesforce Tower is replaced by a Torani bottle—seem like more than a mirage.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-beach-birth">North Beach Birth</h2>

core/heading

<h2 id="h-north-beach-birth">North Beach Birth</h2>

Torani’s expansive new factory in San Leandro includes a secret speakeasy—you press a wall of bookshelves to enter it—which is a nod to an extinguished chapter of the brand’s history.&nbsp;

Torani’s expansive new factory in San Leandro includes a secret speakeasy—you press a wall of bookshelves to enter it—which is a nod to an extinguished chapter of the brand’s history.&nbsp;

When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Torani added liqueurs and cordials to its portfolio of syrups. In 1940, you could score a bottle of Italian- or French-style Torani vermouth for just 89 cents.&nbsp;

When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Torani added liqueurs and cordials to its portfolio of syrups. In 1940, you could score a bottle of Italian- or French-style Torani vermouth for just 89 cents.&nbsp;

The speakeasy oozes history, with framed black-and-white photographs of the founders and longtime loyal Torani customers, like the Victoria Pastry Company and Caffe Trieste.&nbsp;

The speakeasy oozes history, with framed black-and-white photographs of the founders and longtime loyal Torani customers, like the Victoria Pastry Company and Caffe Trieste.&nbsp;

Stacy Cooper Dent, Torani general manager for international business, opens a bookcase to reveal a hidden “speakeasy” at the company’s headquarters on Monday, April 17, 2023, in San Leandro, Calif. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED02_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153119"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stacy Cooper Dent, Torani general manager for international business, opens a bookcase to reveal a hidden “speakeasy” at the company’s headquarters. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Along the wall stands a worn black safe from the Italian American Distributing Company. Only Dulbecco, the CEO, and Lisa Lucheta, the granddaughter of Ezilda and Rinaldo Torre and Torani’s chairperson of the board, know the combination. Inside the safe: recipes.&nbsp;

Along the wall stands a worn black safe from the Italian American Distributing Company. Only Dulbecco, the CEO, and Lisa Lucheta, the granddaughter of Ezilda and Rinaldo Torre and Torani’s chairperson of the board, know the combination. Inside the safe: recipes.&nbsp;

“It’s the original handwritten formulas for our syrups on 3-by-5 index cards,” Lucheta said, “many of them in my grandmother’s handwriting.”&nbsp;

“It’s the original handwritten formulas for our syrups on 3-by-5 index cards,” Lucheta said, “many of them in my grandmother’s handwriting.”&nbsp;

The Italian American Distributing Company—the name on the safe—was a wholesale grocer, and Rinaldo Torre became its manager in 1931, according to San Francisco city directories. Torre died suddenly of a heart attack in his 40s, leaving his wife alone with two young children.&nbsp;

The Italian American Distributing Company—the name on the safe—was a wholesale grocer, and Rinaldo Torre became its manager in 1931, according to San Francisco city directories. Torre died suddenly of a heart attack in his 40s, leaving his wife alone with two young children.&nbsp;

“It was an incredibly difficult situation,” Dulbecco said. “But they circled around and asked, how can we get through this together?”&nbsp;

“It was an incredibly difficult situation,” Dulbecco said. “But they circled around and asked, how can we get through this together?”&nbsp;

Ezilda Torre ended up becoming one of the first women to distill spirits in the country, and she continued the operation as a woman-run business, a rarity at the time. It’s yet another Torani tradition that’s been passed through generations.&nbsp;

Ezilda Torre ended up becoming one of the first women to distill spirits in the country, and she continued the operation as a woman-run business, a rarity at the time. It’s yet another Torani tradition that’s been passed through generations.&nbsp;

The female leadership that began with Ezilda carries through to Dulbecco and Lucheta.&nbsp;

The female leadership that began with Ezilda carries through to Dulbecco and Lucheta.&nbsp;

Rinaldo Torre, right, and Ezilda Torre, left, in 1925. | Courtesy Torani

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED03_ToraniFeature04192023.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153122"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rinaldo Torre, right, and Ezilda Torre, left, pose for a photo in 1925. | Courtesy Torani</figcaption></figure>

These days, three of the company’s five original flavors are still in production. It no longer makes anisette (licorice) nor tamarindo (a tangy fruit)—much to the dismay of one elderly customer, who calls the company every month to request the latter’s return.&nbsp;

These days, three of the company’s five original flavors are still in production. It no longer makes anisette (licorice) nor tamarindo (a tangy fruit)—much to the dismay of one elderly customer, who calls the company every month to request the latter’s return.&nbsp;

“It could definitely come back someday,” said Stacy Cooper Dent, general manager. “I’m not ruling it out.”

“It could definitely come back someday,” said Stacy Cooper Dent, general manager. “I’m not ruling it out.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-flavored-latte-revolution">The Flavored Latte Revolution</h2>

<h2 id="h-the-flavored-latte-revolution">The Flavored Latte Revolution</h2>

It wouldn’t be a surprise to someday see tamarindo back on the shelves again. Torani is continuously introducing new flavors, adding anywhere from four to six every year.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to someday see tamarindo back on the shelves again. Torani is continuously introducing new flavors, adding anywhere from four to six every year.

“We try to retire a flavor every time we introduce a new one,” Dent said. “But in reality that doesn’t happen.”&nbsp;

“We try to retire a flavor every time we introduce a new one,” Dent said. “But in reality that doesn’t happen.”&nbsp;

Some of the retired flavors include honey vanilla, balsamic fig, late harvest grape, and chicken and waffles. There is always a period of mourning (and stockpiling) by the most ardent fans of a disappearing flavor.&nbsp;

Some of the retired flavors include honey vanilla, balsamic fig, late harvest grape, and chicken and waffles. There is always a period of mourning (and stockpiling) by the most ardent fans of a disappearing flavor.&nbsp;

Torani keeps on staff a “trendologist,” who scouts the food industry for the latest obsessions and names a flavor of the year—2023’s is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/its-in-your-coffee-ice-cream-and-cocktails-meet-the-it-flavor-of-2023/">black sesame</a>.&nbsp;

Torani keeps on staff a “trendologist,” who scouts the food industry for the latest obsessions and names a flavor of the year—2023’s is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/its-in-your-coffee-ice-cream-and-cocktails-meet-the-it-flavor-of-2023/">black sesame</a>.&nbsp;

The flavor mania began, in large part, thanks to a lucky break. But it almost didn’t happen at all.&nbsp;

The flavor mania began, in large part, thanks to a lucky break. But it almost didn’t happen at all.&nbsp;

In 1982, retired coffee industry veteran “Brandy” Brandenburg was sitting in Caffe Trieste in North Beach—ironically, just a few doors down from what had been the original location of the Italian American Distributing Company that used to make Torani’s syrups—when he had an idea. Why not add Torani flavored syrup to coffee instead of soda?

In 1982, retired coffee industry veteran “Brandy” Brandenburg was sitting in Caffe Trieste in North Beach—ironically, just a few doors down from what had been the original location of the Italian American Distributing Company that used to make Torani’s syrups—when he had an idea. Why not add Torani flavored syrup to coffee instead of soda?

Torani CEO Melanie Dulbecco stands for a portrait at her company’s headquarters on Thursday, April 20, 2023, in San Leandro, Calif. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED04_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153125"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Torani CEO Melanie Dulbecco stands for a portrait at her company’s headquarters in San Leandro. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“He came in and made a handshake deal with my dad,” Lucheta said, “to try out this new sensation.”&nbsp;

“He came in and made a handshake deal with my dad,” Lucheta said, “to try out this new sensation.”&nbsp;

It seems second nature now, but Brandenburg had a hard time convincing people.&nbsp;

It seems second nature now, but Brandenburg had a hard time convincing people.&nbsp;

He took his idea—and his cases of vanilla Torani—back with him to Portland, Oregon, where he began giving out free samples at the espresso cart in front of Nordstrom to turn people on to flavored lattes.&nbsp;

He took his idea—and his cases of vanilla Torani—back with him to Portland, Oregon, where he began giving out free samples at the espresso cart in front of Nordstrom to turn people on to flavored lattes.&nbsp;

Eventually it worked. In 1990, Torani sold 1,500 cases of grenadine, its most popular flavor, used mostly in sodas and cocktails. In 1991, the company sold 17,000 cases—of vanilla alone. The flavored latte revolution was on, and vanilla remains by far and away Torani’s bestseller (it now makes 12 different varieties).&nbsp;

Eventually it worked. In 1990, Torani sold 1,500 cases of grenadine, its most popular flavor, used mostly in sodas and cocktails. In 1991, the company sold 17,000 cases—of vanilla alone. The flavored latte revolution was on, and vanilla remains by far and away Torani’s bestseller (it now makes 12 different varieties).&nbsp;

Brandenburg taught Starbucks how to make flavored lattes, and the coffee chain bought its syrups directly from Torani for a year and a half before it developed its own private label.&nbsp;

Brandenburg taught Starbucks how to make flavored lattes, and the coffee chain bought its syrups directly from Torani for a year and a half before it developed its own private label.&nbsp;

But it is not coffee, nor vanilla, nor cafes, that is ushering Torani into the next chapter of its growth. That would be the home kitchen.&nbsp;

But it is not coffee, nor vanilla, nor cafes, that is ushering Torani into the next chapter of its growth. That would be the home kitchen.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-beans">Beyond Beans&nbsp;</h2>

<h2 id="h-beyond-beans">Beyond Beans&nbsp;</h2>

Torani’s move into its new San Leandro digs could not have been more ill-timed: It happened in February 2020.&nbsp;

Torani’s move into its new San Leandro digs could not have been more ill-timed: It happened in February 2020.&nbsp;

“It was the biggest investment our company had ever made,” Dent said. “And it happened at the worst time.”&nbsp;

“It was the biggest investment our company had ever made,” Dent said. “And it happened at the worst time.”&nbsp;

People soon began sheltering in place. Coffee shops were closing across the country. The plane full of German engineers who were supposed to train employees on the new digitized machinery was grounded.

People soon began sheltering in place. Coffee shops were closing across the country. The plane full of German engineers who were supposed to train employees on the new digitized machinery was grounded.

“We had a lot of loans to pay back,” Dulbecco said. “And business had dropped 20%.” The one-month drop was a shock for a business that had become used to consistent growth.&nbsp;

“We had a lot of loans to pay back,” Dulbecco said. “And business had dropped 20%.” The one-month drop was a shock for a business that had become used to consistent growth.&nbsp;

core/video

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SFS_REPARATIONS_BREED-COMMENT.00_12_53_02.Still003.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SFS_ToraniFeature04192023_INLINE-VIDEO-1.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scenes from Torani’s factory floor and headquarters in San Leandro. | Morgan Ellis /The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The company used the inspiration of Ezilda Torre, who was widowed in the mid-1930s with two young children, to problem-solve and forge ahead.&nbsp;

The company used the inspiration of Ezilda Torre, who was widowed in the mid-1930s with two young children, to problem-solve and forge ahead.&nbsp;

“You circle around and come together,” Dulbecco said. “You don’t focus just on financing.”&nbsp;

“You circle around and come together,” Dulbecco said. “You don’t focus just on financing.”&nbsp;

Trainings were rescheduled on Zoom. Emphasis pivoted to online sales and home consumers.&nbsp;

Trainings were rescheduled on Zoom. Emphasis pivoted to online sales and home consumers.&nbsp;

By April 2020, the sales had leveled off and then started to climb again. People became home baristas, crafting their own inventive lattes with help from Torani.&nbsp;

By April 2020, the sales had leveled off and then started to climb again. People became home baristas, crafting their own inventive lattes with help from Torani.&nbsp;

But the homemade creations didn&#8217;t stop with coffee. These days, Torani recipes get passed around social media with gusto. People drizzle and swirl its sweetness into Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, dairy-free milks, sodas, lemonades and iced teas.&nbsp;

But the homemade creations didn't stop with coffee. These days, Torani recipes get passed around social media with gusto. People drizzle and swirl its sweetness into Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, dairy-free milks, sodas, lemonades and iced teas.&nbsp;

But the homemade creations didn&#8217;t stop with coffee. These days, Torani recipes get passed around social media with gusto. People drizzle and swirl its sweetness into Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, dairy-free milks, sodas, lemonades and iced teas.&nbsp;

Now the syrups are having a particular moment with flavored water, thanks to TikTok, where <a href="https://people.com/food/olivia-rodrigo-made-dirty-soda-trendy-on-tiktok-and-we-tried-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pop singer Olivia Rodrigo</a> made <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/dirty-soda-tiktok-recipe_l_631215b3e4b090271793f99f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#dirtysoda super trendy</a>, and people share their WOTD (water of the day) with the hashtag #WaterTok. White peach, sugar-free pineapple and sugar-free coconut have emerged as favorites, according to Taylor Lee, who handles Torani’s social media.&nbsp;

Now the syrups are having a particular moment with flavored water, thanks to TikTok, where <a href="https://people.com/food/olivia-rodrigo-made-dirty-soda-trendy-on-tiktok-and-we-tried-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pop singer Olivia Rodrigo</a> made <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/dirty-soda-tiktok-recipe_l_631215b3e4b090271793f99f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#dirtysoda super trendy</a>, and people share their WOTD (water of the day) with the hashtag #WaterTok. White peach, sugar-free pineapple and sugar-free coconut have emerged as favorites, according to Taylor Lee, who handles Torani’s social media.&nbsp;

Bottles of Torani Toasted Marshmallow syrup head towards a labeling station at Torani’s headquarters on Monday, April 17, 2023, in San Leandro, Calif. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED06_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x2035.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153131"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bottles of Torani toasted marshmallow syrup head toward a labeling station. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The recent most popular flavors more generally are ones that are multilayered and embrace a sweet-salty divide, according to Dent, which is why the company has pushed flavors like mangonada and salted egg yolk (its 2022 flavor of the year that immediately sold out, despite the many barfing emojis on Facebook).

The recent most popular flavors more generally are ones that are multilayered and embrace a sweet-salty divide, according to Dent, which is why the company has pushed flavors like mangonada and salted egg yolk (its 2022 flavor of the year that immediately sold out, despite the many barfing emojis on Facebook).

But Torani isn’t just focusing on the people who buy its products—it&#8217;s also focusing on the people who make them.&nbsp;

But Torani isn’t just focusing on the people who buy its products—it's also focusing on the people who make them.&nbsp;

But Torani isn’t just focusing on the people who buy its products—it&#8217;s also focusing on the people who make them.&nbsp;

Lucheta knew business was going well once she saw that opportunities were being created within the company, instead of people needing to leave in order to advance in their careers.&nbsp;

Lucheta knew business was going well once she saw that opportunities were being created within the company, instead of people needing to leave in order to advance in their careers.&nbsp;

Simon Guillermo began at the San Leandro factory in March 2020 in packaging and quickly moved up to batching and making syrups.&nbsp;

Simon Guillermo began at the San Leandro factory in March 2020 in packaging and quickly moved up to batching and making syrups.&nbsp;

“You don’t get that many chances in your life to be part of something like this,” Guillermo said, gesturing to the sparkling machines around him.&nbsp;

“You don’t get that many chances in your life to be part of something like this,” Guillermo said, gesturing to the sparkling machines around him.&nbsp;

Lucheta hands out everyone’s paycheck personally to the over 250 full-time employees, carrying on a tradition her father, Harry Lucheta, began.&nbsp;

Lucheta hands out everyone’s paycheck personally to the over 250 full-time employees, carrying on a tradition her father, Harry Lucheta, began.&nbsp;

“It’s a wonderful experience, because it allows me to say hello to everybody once every two weeks if I don’t see them otherwise,” Lucheta said. “It makes the connection for them with the old family.”&nbsp;

“It’s a wonderful experience, because it allows me to say hello to everybody once every two weeks if I don’t see them otherwise,” Lucheta said. “It makes the connection for them with the old family.”&nbsp;

Bottles line shelves at Torani’s headquarters on Monday, April 17, 2023, in San Leandro, Calif. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED07_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x1719.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153134"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bottles line shelves at Torani’s headquarters. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Lucheta does not have children to pass the company to, but Dulbecco imagines it remaining a family business in spirit. “The fourth generation is our team,” she said, noting that the company has an employee stock ownership program for 10% of the company, which has 275 employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lucheta does not have children to pass the company to, but Dulbecco imagines it remaining a family business in spirit. “The fourth generation is our team,” she said, noting that the company has an employee stock ownership program for 10% of the company, which has 275 employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Torani only has plans to keep growing—the company is in the process of converting a neighboring building into an additional 100,000 square feet of factory space. It&#8217;s also dedicated to staying in the Bay Area, despite the expense.&nbsp;

Torani only has plans to keep growing—the company is in the process of converting a neighboring building into an additional 100,000 square feet of factory space. It's also dedicated to staying in the Bay Area, despite the expense.&nbsp;

Torani only has plans to keep growing—the company is in the process of converting a neighboring building into an additional 100,000 square feet of factory space. It&#8217;s also dedicated to staying in the Bay Area, despite the expense.&nbsp;

“It takes a commitment to stay here,&#8221; Dent said. &#8220;You have to work smarter to have the numbers make sense.”&nbsp;

“It takes a commitment to stay here," Dent said. "You have to work smarter to have the numbers make sense.”&nbsp;

“It takes a commitment to stay here,&#8221; Dent said. &#8220;You have to work smarter to have the numbers make sense.”&nbsp;

“This will always be our home,” Dulbecco said. “We’ve planted our flag here.”&nbsp;

“This will always be our home,” Dulbecco said. “We’ve planted our flag here.”&nbsp;

A behind-the-scenes look inside the Torani factory, where flavor is born

Christina Campodonico

San Franciscans were glued to their televisions and online news feeds as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/salesforce-tower-climber/">a rogue climber and anti-abortion activist</a> climbed to the top of San Francisco’s Salesforce Tower this morning. He completed his “<a href="https://films.nationalgeographic.com/free-solo">free solo</a>” ascent without the aid or protection of ropes.

San Franciscans were glued to their televisions and online news feeds as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/salesforce-tower-climber/">a rogue climber and anti-abortion activist</a> climbed to the top of San Francisco’s Salesforce Tower this morning. He completed his “<a href="https://films.nationalgeographic.com/free-solo">free solo</a>” ascent without the aid or protection of ropes.

Whatever your views on abortion, the renegade feat certainly made a statement and may have you thinking: Could I ever do that?

Whatever your views on abortion, the renegade feat certainly made a statement and may have you thinking: Could I ever do that?

Outward Bound California is offering thrill seekers a chance—and a far less partisan opportunity—to test their fear of heights (legally) with a sky high fundraiser on Thursday, May 5. After a two year hiatus, Outward Bound’s <a href="https://www.outwardboundcalifornia.org/connect/city-skyline-challenge/rappel/">City Skyline Challenge</a> to raise scholarship funds for youth and veterans to get out in the great outdoors and build leadership skills is back on.&nbsp;

Outward Bound California is offering thrill seekers a chance—and a far less partisan opportunity—to test their fear of heights (legally) with a sky high fundraiser on Thursday, May 5. After a two year hiatus, Outward Bound’s <a href="https://www.outwardboundcalifornia.org/connect/city-skyline-challenge/rappel/">City Skyline Challenge</a> to raise scholarship funds for youth and veterans to get out in the great outdoors and build leadership skills is back on.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Tanya-Galindo_Bessemer-Venture-Partners_4-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-48536"/><figcaption>Test your fear of heights for a fun cause with Outward Bound&#8217;s City Skyline Challenge. | Photo courtesy of Outward Bound California</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Tanya-Galindo_Bessemer-Venture-Partners_4-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-48536"/><figcaption>Test your fear of heights for a fun cause with Outward Bound's City Skyline Challenge. | Photo courtesy of Outward Bound California</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Tanya-Galindo_Bessemer-Venture-Partners_4-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-48536"/><figcaption>Test your fear of heights for a fun cause with Outward Bound&#8217;s City Skyline Challenge. | Photo courtesy of Outward Bound California</figcaption></figure>

The challenge involves rappelling down 46 floors of the Hilton San Francisco Union Square and includes a two-hour safety briefing for gearing up, gearing down and practicing your rappelling skills with Over the Edge Technicians and Outward Bound volunteers. At 10-15 minutes, the rappelling experience itself is brief. The minimum to participate, on the other hand, is steep—$2,000. The goal is to raise at least $300,000. But the rush of adrenaline, coupled with the knowledge that you’ve contributed to a good cause, might just have you feeling like a real life Spider-Man.&nbsp;

The challenge involves rappelling down 46 floors of the Hilton San Francisco Union Square and includes a two-hour safety briefing for gearing up, gearing down and practicing your rappelling skills with Over the Edge Technicians and Outward Bound volunteers. At 10-15 minutes, the rappelling experience itself is brief. The minimum to participate, on the other hand, is steep—$2,000. The goal is to raise at least $300,000. But the rush of adrenaline, coupled with the knowledge that you’ve contributed to a good cause, might just have you feeling like a real life Spider-Man.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Barbara-Kirkner_5-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-48533"/><figcaption>Descend in a kooky costume for a chance to win prizes as part of Outward Bound&#8217;s fundraiser to get local youth and veterans into the great outdoors. | Photo courtesy of Outward Bound California</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Barbara-Kirkner_5-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-48533"/><figcaption>Descend in a kooky costume for a chance to win prizes as part of Outward Bound's fundraiser to get local youth and veterans into the great outdoors. | Photo courtesy of Outward Bound California</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Barbara-Kirkner_5-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-48533"/><figcaption>Descend in a kooky costume for a chance to win prizes as part of Outward Bound&#8217;s fundraiser to get local youth and veterans into the great outdoors. | Photo courtesy of Outward Bound California</figcaption></figure>

You can even dress up as a superhero if you want. Costumes—so long as they’re not too loose, baggy, stringy or headdressy—are encouraged and prizes will be given away for the best dressed rappeller. If you’re feeling jittery, you do have the option of rappelling with a friend or signing up with a team. You may even see some high-profile government officials rappelling off the sky high hotel. Former state Sen. Mark Leno, Board of Supervisors alum Jane Kim and City Administrator Carmen Chu have all participated in the past.&nbsp; This year’s VIP rappellers include, San Francisco 49ers mascot Sourdough Sam, activist Sister Golda Lox of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and NBC Bay Area Sports and Golden State Warriors Reporter Kerith Burke, among others.&nbsp;

You can even dress up as a superhero if you want. Costumes—so long as they’re not too loose, baggy, stringy or headdressy—are encouraged and prizes will be given away for the best dressed rappeller. If you’re feeling jittery, you do have the option of rappelling with a friend or signing up with a team. You may even see some high-profile government officials rappelling off the sky high hotel. Former state Sen. Mark Leno, Board of Supervisors alum Jane Kim and City Administrator Carmen Chu have all participated in the past.&nbsp; This year’s VIP rappellers include, San Francisco 49ers mascot Sourdough Sam, activist Sister Golda Lox of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and NBC Bay Area Sports and Golden State Warriors Reporter Kerith Burke, among others.&nbsp;

Follow this link to <a href="https://www.outwardboundcalifornia.org/connect/city-skyline-challenge/rappel/">learn more.</a> For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, you can watch the live stream <a href="https://baosn.tv/">here</a> on May 5.&nbsp;

Follow this link to <a href="https://www.outwardboundcalifornia.org/connect/city-skyline-challenge/rappel/">learn more.</a> For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, you can watch the live stream <a href="https://baosn.tv/">here</a> on May 5.&nbsp;

Channel your inner Spider-Man (legally) by rappelling 46 floors at the ‘Skyline Challenge’

Josh Koehn

OK, so a Dutch queen and the mayor of San Francisco walk into a gay bar.

OK, so a Dutch queen and the mayor of San Francisco walk into a gay bar.

On Tuesday in the Castro, Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands—fashion icon, slayer of dragons and a darling of dos continents (she originally hails from Argentina)—stepped into Twin Peaks Tavern to pay her respects to a San Francisco institution while also listening to concerns from LGBTQ+ community stakeholders as part of her U.S. tour.

On Tuesday in the Castro, Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands—fashion icon, slayer of dragons and a darling of dos continents (she originally hails from Argentina)—stepped into Twin Peaks Tavern to pay her respects to a San Francisco institution while also listening to concerns from LGBTQ+ community stakeholders as part of her U.S. tour.

“There have been millions of queens in this bar, but today the queen came through and hung out with other queens—and that made it pretty fabulous,” said Aria Sa’id, executive director of the Transgender District.

“There have been millions of queens in this bar, but today the queen came through and hung out with other queens—and that made it pretty fabulous,” said Aria Sa’id, executive director of the Transgender District.

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands meets with community leaders inside of Twin Peaks, the historic gay bar which was the first to have glass windows, in the historic Castro District of San Francisco, Calif., past Cliff’s Variety store, on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/QueenVisit090622_INLINED01.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-73433"/><figcaption>Queen Máxima of the Netherlands meets with community leaders inside of Twin Peaks, a historic gay bar in the Castro District of San Francisco, on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The significance of the queen’s visit wasn’t lost on many in the boisterous entourage that followed her and Mayor Breed on a short walk from the GLBT Historical Society to the Castro Theatre and eventually Twin Peaks Tavern. The gay bar made history 50 years ago when it proudly removed its window coverings, letting the outside world know there was no shame in what was happening indoors.

The significance of the queen’s visit wasn’t lost on many in the boisterous entourage that followed her and Mayor Breed on a short walk from the GLBT Historical Society to the Castro Theatre and eventually Twin Peaks Tavern. The gay bar made history 50 years ago when it proudly removed its window coverings, letting the outside world know there was no shame in what was happening indoors.

On Tuesday, Twin Peaks once again played the role of a captivating fishbowl as the crowd waved and waited for the queen to wrap up an informational discussion with a coterie of local LGBTQ+ leaders.

On Tuesday, Twin Peaks once again played the role of a captivating fishbowl as the crowd waved and waited for the queen to wrap up an informational discussion with a coterie of local LGBTQ+ leaders.

“Well, I think it’s an honor to have her here, and she and the king are allies with LGBTQ+ community throughout the world,” said Jeffrey Green, who along with George Roehm has owned Twin Peaks for the last two decades. “It was a big deal in 1972, because if you were seen in a gay bar you could lose your job. Because of that, we became a landmark.”

“Well, I think it’s an honor to have her here, and she and the king are allies with LGBTQ+ community throughout the world,” said Jeffrey Green, who along with George Roehm has owned Twin Peaks for the last two decades. “It was a big deal in 1972, because if you were seen in a gay bar you could lose your job. Because of that, we became a landmark.”

Sa’id, whose group works to expand awareness of transgender issues in the city, was one of a handful of local leaders to take part in a roundtable discussion with Queen Máxima, Mayor Breed and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who represents the Castro. Wearing a flowing pink dress and teardrop crystal earrings, the queen held court and asked a fair number of questions on whether progress continues to be made.

Sa’id, whose group works to expand awareness of transgender issues in the city, was one of a handful of local leaders to take part in a roundtable discussion with Queen Máxima, Mayor Breed and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who represents the Castro. Wearing a flowing pink dress and teardrop crystal earrings, the queen held court and asked a fair number of questions on whether progress continues to be made.

Richard Vermeij excitedly awaits Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to finish her tour of the GLBT Historical Society Museum before walking around San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/QueenVisit090622_INLINED05.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-73442"/><figcaption>Richard Vermeij excitedly awaits Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to finish her tour of the GLBT Historical Society Museum before walking around San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco and the Netherlands share a unique history when it comes to the fight for equality and the free expression of love, as the latter became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001 while San Francisco is, well, San Francisco. The city’s pioneering path on LGBTQ+ rights stands in especially bright relief in the face of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/with-roe-reversal-sf-pride-parade-a-colorful-celebration-and-call-to-action/">legislative attacks waged against the community across the country</a>.

San Francisco and the Netherlands share a unique history when it comes to the fight for equality and the free expression of love, as the latter became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001 while San Francisco is, well, San Francisco. The city’s pioneering path on LGBTQ+ rights stands in especially bright relief in the face of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/with-roe-reversal-sf-pride-parade-a-colorful-celebration-and-call-to-action/">legislative attacks waged against the community across the country</a>.

“I think at a time when San Francisco and some parts of this country are moving forward—along with places like the Netherlands—and other parts of the country are pretty insistent on moving backwards and rolling back rights, it’s great to have [Queen Máxima] here in the beating heart of the United States’ queer community,” Mandelman said.

“I think at a time when San Francisco and some parts of this country are moving forward—along with places like the Netherlands—and other parts of the country are pretty insistent on moving backwards and rolling back rights, it’s great to have [Queen Máxima] here in the beating heart of the United States’ queer community,” Mandelman said.

Donna Sachet, a long time LGBTQ+ activist and drag queen who once served as the <a href="https://thebolditalic.com/annals-of-the-emperors-and-empresses-of-san-francisco-donna-sachet-fddba9195bed">Empress of San Francisco</a>, waited for the queen at Twin Peaks in her own stylish outfit, which included a Dutch Orange scarf.

Donna Sachet, a long time LGBTQ+ activist and drag queen who once served as the <a href="https://thebolditalic.com/annals-of-the-emperors-and-empresses-of-san-francisco-donna-sachet-fddba9195bed">Empress of San Francisco</a>, waited for the queen at Twin Peaks in her own stylish outfit, which included a Dutch Orange scarf.

“It reminds me of when the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/harvey-milk-day-celebrates-the-legacy-of-beloved-gay-activist/">Milk</a> film premiered here and they closed up an avenue and part of the street,” Sachet said. “It was just like Hollywood. We love playing those games, so it’s amazing.”

“It reminds me of when the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/harvey-milk-day-celebrates-the-legacy-of-beloved-gay-activist/">Milk</a> film premiered here and they closed up an avenue and part of the street,” Sachet said. “It was just like Hollywood. We love playing those games, so it’s amazing.”

The queen and King Willem-Alexander were originally scheduled to come to the U.S. in February, but that trip was canceled due to Covid. They rescheduled the trip for September—roughly 100 businesses planned to join them as the Netherlands makes overtures to the Bay Area’s tech community, along with stops in Texas—but His Majesty came down with pneumonia, forcing him to stay home and have the queen represent the Netherlands in his stead.

The queen and King Willem-Alexander were originally scheduled to come to the U.S. in February, but that trip was canceled due to Covid. They rescheduled the trip for September—roughly 100 businesses planned to join them as the Netherlands makes overtures to the Bay Area’s tech community, along with stops in Texas—but His Majesty came down with pneumonia, forcing him to stay home and have the queen represent the Netherlands in his stead.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed, right, welcomes Queen Maxima of the Netherlands before ceremoniously raising a Dutch flag outside of San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. | Jessica Christian/The San Francisco Chronicle/POOL

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/QueenVisit090622_INLINED08-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-73448"/><figcaption>San Francisco Mayor London Breed, right, welcomes Queen Máxima of the Netherlands before ceremoniously raising a Dutch flag outside of San Francisco City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. | Jessica Christian/The San Francisco Chronicle/POOL</figcaption></figure>

Mayor Breed, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/heres-how-london-breed-pitched-sf-to-european-travelers/">visited Europe in March to boost tourism</a> and will make a trip to Amsterdam in October, deftly played the role of host Tuesday, as she greeted the queen on a red carpet laid out at City Hall before a flag-raising ceremony and the tour of the Castro. A black SUV whisked them away to an event at the Salesforce Tower, but not before Mayor Breed and the queen delivered remarks outside of Twin Peaks.

Mayor Breed, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/heres-how-london-breed-pitched-sf-to-european-travelers/">visited Europe in March to boost tourism</a> and will make a trip to Amsterdam in October, deftly played the role of host Tuesday, as she greeted the queen on a red carpet laid out at City Hall before a flag-raising ceremony and the tour of the Castro. A black SUV whisked them away to an event at the Salesforce Tower, but not before Mayor Breed and the queen delivered remarks outside of Twin Peaks.

“The Netherlands and San Francisco share so many things in common, but the support for the LGBTQ+ community is something we feel so strongly about,” said Queen Máxima, who also delivered remarks in Spanish. “And I’m here to not only learn about your history but also to learn from each other: ‘What are we good at? What are we actually not doing that great?’ Because we have to still lead by example. We have to make our world equal for everybody, so that everybody feels at home wherever they live.”

“The Netherlands and San Francisco share so many things in common, but the support for the LGBTQ+ community is something we feel so strongly about,” said Queen Máxima, who also delivered remarks in Spanish. “And I’m here to not only learn about your history but also to learn from each other: ‘What are we good at? What are we actually not doing that great?’ Because we have to still lead by example. We have to make our world equal for everybody, so that everybody feels at home wherever they live.”

Queen Máxima visits historic San Francisco gay bar: ‘pretty fabulous’

FiDi. Mid-Market. Fisherman’s Wharf. These were some of the answers we received after spending an afternoon around the Ferry Building asking folks to point out where they thought Downtown San Francisco was located on a map.&nbsp;

FiDi. Mid-Market. Fisherman’s Wharf. These were some of the answers we received after spending an afternoon around the Ferry Building asking folks to point out where they thought Downtown San Francisco was located on a map.&nbsp;

A behind-the-scenes look inside the Torani factory, where flavor is born

Channel your inner Spider-Man (legally) by rappelling 46 floors at the ‘Skyline Challenge’

Queen Máxima visits historic San Francisco gay bar: ‘pretty fabulous’

Where is downtown SF, exactly?

The Bay Area housing recession is already here

Search Results for: salesforce tower

A behind-the-scenes look inside the Torani factory, where flavor is born

Channel your inner Spider-Man (legally) by rappelling 46 floors at the ‘Skyline Challenge’

Queen Máxima visits historic San Francisco gay bar: ‘pretty fabulous’

Where is downtown SF, exactly?

The Bay Area housing recession is already here