http://www.sfgate.com/food/article/...-anymore-it-s-way-11012026.php#photo-12151365 PS Tartine Manufactory is owned by Blue Bottle Coffee Company
Wasn't any different in the California Gold Rush days. There were 2 kinds of people making fortunes then: Miners with bags of gold, and shovel salesmen charging $500/shovel.
Rent for a 4k sq ft restaurant will run you about $150k per year. I've also seen some places charge $100 s/f (or more) per year Here's a nice tiny one for $6k per month (only 600 sq ft) You can sell all your toast here. 1,500 pieces per month should pay the rent. http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/20190455/2815-California-Street-San-Francisco-CA/