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The longtime baker of one of San Francisco’s most popular desserts has officially hung up his apron — but that doesn’t mean his European-style cheesecake will disappear.
Sam Zanze, 90, announced his retirement on March 15, the San Francisco Chronicle first reported.
The popular European-style sweet treat will live on at Original Joe’s outposts. Owners and siblings Elena and John Duggan plan to sell the desserts in the spring at Little Original Joe’s in West Portal and eventually at all Original Joe’s locations.
The Duggans enjoyed Zanze’s cheesecakes growing up and their mother, Marie Duggan, helped answer phones on the retail store’s opening day.
“It's a bittersweet time. But these people are good people,” Zanze told The Chronicle, “Whatever they do, they want to do it the right way.”
Zanze's Cheesecake closed to the public in 2020. | Anne Marie Kristoff/Ingleside Light
Zanze sold celebrated crustless and airy cheesecakes on Ingleside’s stretch of Ocean Avenue in a quaint storefront for over 40 years.
Before the pandemic, customers would line up to pick up cakes with toppings such as sour cherry with kirsch, blueberry, raspberry, chocolate shavings and select seasonal flavors. Prices for this treat ranged from $16 to $44.
Zanze closed the store in 2020 to focus on selling his cheesecakes wholesale through Mollie Stone’s Tower Market and in select restaurants like Spiazzo Ristorante in West Portal and Pacific Cafe in the Richmond.
Zanze learned his craft from his father, who was a pastry chef trained by German bakers. They perfected their recipe over the years.
“It's so easy to get into a big operation where it becomes mechanical and you have all the ingredients already prepared for you,” Zanze told The Chronicle. “It has to be hands-on. Shortcuts don't work.”
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Anne Marie Kristoff (she/her) is a recent graduate from San Francisco State University's journalism program. She enjoys writing about the arts, entertainment and nature.
