From Katsu to camping

The former, albeit short-lived, home of Suika bento cafe is becoming the new retail space for Alite Designs, a Mission-based camping company with a wholesale business at 2505 Mariposa St.

According to founder Tae Kim, the 3378 18th Street space, next to Ken Ken Ramen between Mission and Capp streets, will also be home to his other brand Boreas, an outdoor gear company, as well as a coffee bar.

Kim told me that the store could be open as early as next week, depending on whether he gets the necessary approvals from the city, but definitely no later than the beginning of September.