The Good Food Guys Hospitality Group, founders of the San Francisco concepts Mixt and Split, are opening their latest fast-casual hot-spot along Russian Hill’s high street corridor on Polk Street. Taking over the space formerly occupied by La Boulange, Split will open on November 18 at 2300 Polk Street and offer a modern take on great American classics.
Leading the way in the category of fine, fast casual restaurants, Split Russian Hill will offer an all-day menu that encompasses breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual setting. “Split is my take on America’s greatest hits with my own twist on them” says Andrew Swallow, executive chef and co-founder of Split.
Swallow, who got his start at Gramercy Tavern in New York and graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, is also the creative energy behind the pioneering fast-casual salad chain, Mixt. Split’s menu will feature signature tastes from its current repertoire such as the Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Split Burger and Mandarin Salad alongside unique dishes created just for the Russian Hill location.
New dishes include a Chorizo Hash prepared with poached pasture eggs, kale and sweet potatoes; Crispy Brussels Sprouts with a sriracha ranch dipping sauce; Mt. Lassen Trout with roasted sunchokes and pickled fennel; and Butterscotch Pot de Crème with fresh whipped cream. The location will also offer Four Barrel coffee, wine on tap, craft beer and mimosas at brunch.
The restaurant prides itself on making all of its dishes from scratch using only the freshest ingredients sourced from local and organic suppliers. “Split is a modern take on your neighborhood joint—a place where you can grab a quick cup of good coffee and a breakfast sandwich on your way to work, or sit down with your kids and enjoy a casual dinner, or catch up with a buddy over an IPA and bar bites,” says co-founder David Silverglide. The Russian Hill location will have indoor seating for 49 as well as café-style outdoor seating along Polk Street. In keeping with its casual approach, diners can order at the counter or ahead of time on Split’s website, and seat themselves; runners will bring out their meal, as well as take more order for food and drinks at the table.
The restaurant will be equipped with the most modern take-away options featuring a station at the front of the restaurant for to-go orders and text alerts when your food is ready for pick-up. The name “Split,” formerly known as Split Bread, evolved from the team’s vision of what a modern restaurant experience should be. “We split the difference and bring together the best aspects of fine-dining and quick service,” says Silverglide. “Today’s diners want high-quality food, delivered in an instant, in a casual setting and we think we’ve hit that mark with Split.”
The Russian Hill location is Split’s third outpost and a very personal choice of locale for its owners. “My co-founders and family have lived in Russian Hill for over 15 years and we are thrilled to open a restaurant in our own backyard,” says Swallow. “Our goal is for Split to become a beloved spot in the community and to bring the same concept to other neighborhoods in the Bay Area and beyond.”
