Cafe Da Fonk!

Rising expenses, labor shortages, equipment failures, COVID hardships, and the impending sale of the 300 De Haro Street complex in which her bakery was located prompted Yasmin Points to close My Good Pie in 2022. 

“It was a desperate situation, with no place or time to take or sell equipment, and we were in deeper debt each day since operations were closed,” said Points. “In my moment of desperation, I reached out to the landlords, who were incredibly understanding about our predicament.”

Points planned to start fresh in a new location but was unable to secure an affordable rent. 

“This turn of events forced me to reevaluate everything. I had to create a concept that I could handle on my own, with fewer resources and less equipment, but one that still stayed true to my heart and soul,” said Points. 

Out of this adversity the idea for Cafe Da Fonk!, which opened in July in the same 300 De Haro Street complex, was born. 

“It’s about being better to ourselves, each other, and our world. Beyond just serving food and drinks, Cafe Da Fonk is a vision to revolutionize how cafes, restaurants, and individuals approach their daily lives. It’s about reimagining the cafe experience and creating a more harmonious lifestyle,” said Points. “Things like zero waste, low impact living, functional ingredients and methods of preservations, are just a few things we hope to carry forward.”

Cafe Da Fonk’s menu reflects Point’s values, life experiences, and heritage, including her California upbringing coupled with living in Europe for nearly a decade. 

“The path leading to this juncture taught me profound lessons in the art of self-preservation, the authenticity of embracing imperfections, and the deep value of forging meaningful connections,” said Points. “Family recipes, cultural inspirations, and a commitment to doing better all around, converged into a culinary landscape that transcended traditional boundaries. It’s not confined to any one cuisine but driven by the belief that we can do better for the coming generations. We aim to excite people by using meaningful ingredients and methods that tie us back to each other and the earth.” 

The café’s approach is influenced by eateries in Central Europe, where Points’ partner, Pasquale Kress, is from. Along with sandwiches and breakfast dishes, Cafe Da Fonk offers specialty teas and coffees.  The Matcha Bliss Remix features matcha with fresh ginger and zesty lime in creamy oat milk. 

“Beyond tantalizing your taste buds, this delightful blend enhances the bioavailability of matcha, maximizing its health benefits,” said Points. 

Zadie’s Breakfast Masterpiece Sando, named after Points’ and Kress’ youngest son, consists of a house-made sourdough discard biscuit with fluffy scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, crispy halal beef bacon, and fresh microgreens. It’s one of the restaurant’s best sellers. 

“Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our house-made fermented condiments and meats, like the red cabbage kraut and lacto-fermented onions,” said Points. “These flavorful and gut-healthy additions elevate our sandwiches, such as the beloved Fonky Arnold Rueben, served on toasted sourdough for added nutrients and digestibility. We are determined to bring a positive force to the cafe experience, offering something different from the quirky, usual spots.”

Their eldest son, Ismael, helps with restaurant operations on weekends with his friends. Kress, who works full-time in cybersecurity, pitches in as needed. 

DM Development purchased 300 De Haro Street in 2022, with plans to demolish it and construct a 450-unit residential project later this year. Points’ decision to move into a temporary location was influenced by a mix of considerations. 

“The De Haro space, priced affordably and already tailored to our needs, still permitted with SFHD, presented a golden opportunity. We saw the chance to test our ideas, learn the intricacies of operating a physical establishment, and gauge the market’s response,” said Points. “Currently we are on a month-to-month lease but there may be a good chance we can stay until next year, midyear. Right now, our best bet is to make a successful run while we still can. Potrero Hill is not just a location for us; it’s a community we cherish deeply. We have woven a strong bond with this vibrant neighborhood, embracing its history and spirit with open arms. We are grateful for the unwavering support from our loyal customers, the Center for the Books, SFPD, and the DA’s Office, neighbors and Bay Area Halal Foodies among others, those who constantly back us up and drop in to show their love.”