Our Team
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Owner
Flicka McGurrin, owner of Pier 23 Cafe, is a native San Franciscan and launched Pier 23 Cafe over 40 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 40 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 expanding our brand and authentic San Francisco eats worldwide.
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Owner/General Manager
McGurrin Leibert is a fourth generation San Franciscan and known to his friends as “Mac”. Throughout high school, he graduated Saint Ignatius College Preparatory in 1988, and every summer, he worked at Swan Oyster Depot for the Sancimino family, serving fresh seafood from the historic marble counter that’s been there since 1914.
Mac credits Swan’s for giving him an education in food service that’s uniquely San Francisco. He got first hand experience working in a super busy and small environment, serving the freshest most expertly prepared local seafood, all while working with family and loved ones. The Sanciminos remain close friends today and Mac still knows how to shuck an oyster like a champ.
As General Manager of Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar, Mac’s dedication to good service with good food is his priority. He wants every customer who comes through the door of Pier 23 Cafe to get a new appreciation of this city he loves while enjoying a classic San Francisco place, eating fresh, good food and sipping cocktails by the Bay with friends and family. It’s all about making those San Francisco memories!