Flicka McGurrin, Owner

Flicka McGurrin, owner of Pier 23 Cafe, is a native San Franciscan and launched Pier 23 Cafe over 35 years ago with local food author Peggy Knickerbocker, her best friend and former business partner.

They were searching for a space to house their catering business, the Cooking Company, and found Pier 23, a ramshackled music joint with sawdust on the floors. The proprietor at the time was Joanie Boyer who, with her husband, had been running these well-known Dixieland jazz joint since the 1950s.

Pier 23 was the perfect space, steeped in San Francisco history, located on the waterfront with a large back deck overlooking the Bay, and it was managed by a tough old broad. Flicka and Peggy agreed to take over her kitchen and the rest is our history.

After 35 years, Pier 23 Cafe still carries on the tradition of a live music spot and is known as an iconic San Francisco food and drink destination and a respected seafood restaurant with a reputation for delicious, fresh food.

For those who know Flicka, she’s a force. Along with restaurateur, she wears many hats: visionary, business owner, mother, grandmother, painter, singer, conga drum player, and open water swimmer. She’s one of the first female members of the
Dolphin Swimming & Boating Club at Aquatic Park.

Flicka’s talents, stamina and hard work have been essential in the success of Pier 23 Cafe in San Francisco’s competive restaurant industry. It’s in no way been an easy ride and the team works hard to keep up with times.

Family is big part of Flicka’s world and today, her son, McGurrin Leibert is General Manager, daughter Meighan Leibert manages Human Resources & Admin, and daughter Lei Levi manages the Marketing. Flicka’s excited for Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar’s future and the expandsion our brand and authentic San Francisco eats worldwide.