What vicious circle? New stores open in San Francisco
In San Francisco, a number of small businesses are opening and expanding, leading some residents to question whether the city has turned the corner.
SAN FRANCISCO – In San Francisco, a number of small businesses are opening and expanding, leading some residents to question whether the city has turned the corner.
Cheers and joy accompanied the ceremonial opening of a new store on Polk Street on Thursday.
Bi-Rite, a local grocery store chain owned by the same San Francisco family for half a century, has opened its third location in Russian Hill.
“There are always cycles. There are always ups and downs. If anyone thinks it will be any different, they are mistaken,” said Bi-Rite owner Sam Mogannam.
Despite San Francisco's difficult post-pandemic recovery, Mogannam remains optimistic.
“There is a lot of energy and momentum to bring this city back to life,” he said.
San Francisco resident Isabel Baer said she noticed a significant change.
“I have noticed a rapid recovery from COVID over the last 12 months,” Baer said.
New stores are also opening in the San Francisco Ferry Building, with 95 percent of the ground floor retail space already leased, according to the company's website.
“I noticed that there is more going on in the afternoon,” said Oakland resident Traci Lim.
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Meanwhile, on Valencia Street, the famous Slanted Door is set to return to its original location for the first time in 20 years.
“We've worked with every landlord who has a vacant store,” says Manny Yekutiel, owner of Manny's, an event center and cafe, and president of the Valencia Merchants Association, which represents about 500 independent stores in the neighborhood.
“In the last six months alone, four new art galleries have opened that host gallery events,” Yekutiel said.
Yekutiel points out that while new businesses are opening, that doesn't mean it's any easier in San Francisco.
“It's more difficult. We have fewer tourists, higher costs,” he said. “But we take risks and take risks. We are doers.”
This renewed sense of vigour, hope and activity is reflected by Mogannam.
“I'm always optimistic about San Francisco. There's no place more special than this,” he said.
