In an effort to bring life back to San Francisco’s downtown, seventeen businesses have been selected to fill vacant storefronts with pop-up shops. As part of a plan by Mayor London Breed, these businesses will operate for at least six months in an initiative designed to benefit both owners and the city.
The businesses selected for the Vacant to Vibrant program in San Francisco range from restaurants and retail shops to artists. All participants are eager to challenge and change the negative stereotypes associated with downtown.
The business owners will move into pop-up locations stretching from Embarcadero Center to Montgomery Street on September 17.
The selection of the winners was a challenging task for the nonprofit SF New Deal, with Executive Director Simon Bertrang reporting that 875 businesses applied, with more applications still being received.
Among the selected businesses is the popular Devil’s Teeth Bakery, owned by Hilary Passman. Passman is keen to be part of a movement that challenges any negative stereotypes that Downtown San Francisco has garnered.
Each pop-up location will be rent-free, and participants will each receive an $8,000 grant to help get their businesses up and running.
The 17 pop-ups will launch in nine vacant spaces for three months. If the project proves successful, the city says tenants will have the opportunity to extend their stay for another three months.