Castro business briefs: Corgi Cafe opens, Agile Physical Therapy moves & L'Amourette Chocolate begins construction. Published on November 06, 2026 Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline Here's a brief roundup of recent changes to Castro area businesses. In this edition, a new cafe opens, a physical therapy office takes over a long vacant space, and a chocolate shop begins construction. Corgi Cafe (260 Church) The new cafe opened last week after a quick remodel, which included painting the store bright orange, replacing the counter, and adding a few murals inside the store. As Hoodline previously reported, the project is financially backed by the Dogpatch-based accelerator Y Combinator. The cafe is a project of technology company Corgi Insurance, which provides insurance to technology startups. Corgi Cafe is now open at 260 Church St. Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline Corgi Cafe's menu includes a selection of coffee and espresso drinks, teas, smoothies, and snacks. While advertising on the storefront stated Corgi Cafe would be open 24 hours a day, the Church St. location is open daily from 6 am until 2 am. In order to operate between the hours of 2 am and 6 am, Corgi Cafe will need to obtain a conditional use permit. Corgi Cafe spokesperson Erika Lee reached out to Hoodline but did not respond to questions about obtaining the permit. Public records indicate that a conditional use permit application has not been filed at this time. Agile Physical Therapy (2077 Market) Agile Physical Therapy will be opening soon in the long-vacant retail space at 2077 Market Street. The space has remained vacant since Rikkers Liquors closed in 2016. Agile Physical Therapy will be moving from its current location at 2191 Market Street. Agile Physical Therapy currently has three San Francisco locations: Financial District, Duboce Triangle, and Castro. Additionally, Agile has locations down the peninsula in Palo Alto, San Mateo, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, and Los Altos. Agile Physical Therapy will be opening at 2077 Market St. Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline Agile offers physical therapy services for a variety of sports and activities, including basketball, cycling, golf, running, and weightlifting. Public records indicate a building permit was issued in June. Remodel work included painting, flooring, and constructing walls. Construction costs were estimated at $85,000. Lamourette Chocolate (548 Castro) Construction work is underway at the soon-to-open second location of L'Amourette Chocolat. As Hoodline previously reported, L'Amourette Chocolat will be opening at 548 Castro Street. The space was previously home to plant shop How's It Hanging. Public records indicate that L'Amourette has filed to change the use of the space from general retail to a limited restaurant. L'Amourette Chocolate will open soon at 548 Castro St. Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline Additionally, a building permit was issued last month to upgrade the bathroom. Construction costs are estimated at $20,000. Andre V. and his wife, Roxanne, founded L'Amourette Chocolat in 2011. They currently have one shop in Pacific Heights at 2412 Fillmore Street, which opened in 2022. In September, Andre told Hoodline that the shop will offer more than just chocolate. "We are creating a chocolate and coffee experience where guests will be able to enjoy our chocolates, confections, and other specialties alongside carefully prepared espresso and coffee," he said. An opening date has not been announced.

Corgi Insurance names First Insurance co-founder Josh LaRiccia as Head of Distribution. Corgi Insurance, a technology-focused commercial insurance carrier that uses artificial intelligence across its operations, has appointed Josh LaRiccia to lead its distribution activities as Head of Distribution. The appointment will see LaRiccia take responsibility for expanding the company's presence across the US insurance market and developing partnerships with managing general agents (MGAs), wholesale intermediaries and retail brokers. LaRiccia previously co-founded First Insurance & Risk Management, where he spent four years helping to establish and expand the business's distribution network. Corgi reported that he supported the onboarding of 15,000 users and 13,000 agencies to the platform, alongside developing working relationships with insurance agents, wholesalers and other market participants. At Corgi, LaRiccia will be responsible for identifying potential distribution partners, managing partner development and supporting the company's expansion into new markets across the United States. According to Corgi, the strategy will prioritise businesses whose operations and insurance requirements are compatible with its underwriting criteria and commercial objectives. His role will also include collaboration with Corgi's underwriting and product teams to assess gaps in the market, explore opportunities for new insurance programmes and incorporate feedback from distribution partners into product development. The company said LaRiccia will also attend industry conferences and events to build its profile and maintain engagement with stakeholders across the insurance distribution sector. Corgi Co-founder and Chief Executiv Laqua commented: "LaRiccia brings firsthand experience building a distribution business and understands what agents and brokers need from their carrier partners. As we continue expanding our insurance offerings, his experience and industry relationships will be instrumental in helping us reach more businesses nationwide." LaRiccia added: "Corgi has an opportunity to rethink how carriers and distribution partners work together. I'm excited to help build a distribution network that combines strong industry relationships with technology that makes it easier for partners to do business. Our focus will be on creating programs that address real market needs while building lasting partnerships." The appointment forms part of Corgi's wider efforts to develop its commercial insurance capabilities, including its technology infrastructure, underwriting operations and range of insurance programmes. The company is positioning its use of AI alongside industry expertise as a means of improving processes for brokers, distribution partners and commercial customers. With LaRiccia overseeing distribution, Corgi intends to broaden its network of intermediaries and establish additional partnerships to support the continued development of its commercial insurance business in the US. Spread the love

Corgi appoints Bevin as VP, Public Affairs Officer. Corgi, an AI-native insurance carrier and financial infrastructure company, has announced the appointment of Morgan Bevin as VP, Public Affairs Officer. In her new position, Bevin will leverage her financial services policy and government relations experience help lead Corgi's government affairs efforts, working at the intersection of insurance, financial services, and emerging technology. The executive is joining Corgi from Sternhell Group, where she served as Principal, advising clients on government relations across financial services and technology. Her work spans public policy, regulatory strategy, and government affairs for financial institutions, technology companies, and organisations across the financial services sector. Before her time at Sternhell Group, Bevin was a Consultant at Wachsman, providing strategic advisory and communications services to financial services and emerging technology companies. She also held the position of Professional Staff Member on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services, helping steer the Committee's financial technology agenda. Earlier in her career, she was a Financial Services Policy Fellow for Representative French Hill (AR-02). Bevin's appointment comes as Corgi continues to expand its insurance offerings, building a modern infrastructure for businesses navigating increasingly complex risks. Jeremy Eisemann, Chief External Affairs Officer and Deputy General Counsel at Corgi, said: "Reinsurance Group is excited to have Morgan join Corgi as Reinsurance Group continue to grow its business and expand its presence across the insurance industry. "Her experience across government, financial services, and emerging technology will be valuable as we work with policymakers and industry stakeholders to support the next generation of insurance."