New Pop-Ups and Expansions in Downtown SF
Since its launch in 2023, Vacant to Vibrant has reimagined what’s possible in San Francisco’s downtown.
By pairing local small business owners with empty storefronts, the program has already activated more than 20 storefronts, supported over 30 small businesses, and helped secure nearly a dozen long-term leases in neighborhoods including Union Square, the Financial District, Yerba Buena, SoMa, and the East Cut.
Two New Downtown Pop-Ups
Dandelion Chocolate opens new pop-up in Union Square!
The newest chapter of Vacant to Vibrant brings two local favorites downtown:
📍NOW OPEN: Dandelion Chocolate (167 Powell Street)
Mission-based and internationally celebrated, Dandelion Chocolate has opened a curated retail experience in Union Square. Guests will find their beloved bean-to-bar confections alongside thoughtful gifts that celebrate chocolate’s journey from farm to factory to storefront.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the Vacant to Vibrant initiative and to have an opportunity to bring our bean-to-bar chocolate to Union Square — a neighborhood that’s not too far from our factory in the Mission,” said Todd Masonis, CEO of Dandelion Chocolate. “It’s great knowing that our collective efforts will help revitalize downtown San Francisco while celebrating the local small business community.”
Visit Dandelion Chocolate in Union Square, Monday through Sunday, 10am - 6pm, and stay up-to-date with the latest news at @dandelionchocolate and @vacanttovibrant!
Follow along @dandelionchocolate and @vacanttovibrant
📍OPENING SOON: The Wild Fox (123 Battery Street)
From the creative team behind SPRO Coffee Lab, The Wild Fox blends espresso-forward beverages, Japanese café culture, and striking design. The café aims to spark moments of curiosity and comfort in the heart of the city.
“Finally opening in downtown San Francisco feels like a dream coming full circle. The Wild Fox has always been about sparking moments of curiosity and comfort, and there’s no better place to share that than right in the heart of the city,” said co-owners Liza Otanes and Rich Lee.
V2V Alumni Growing Their Footprint
Vacant to Vibrant is designed not only to activate spaces temporarily but to create opportunitis for long-term growth. In addition to signing long-term leases at their pop-up locations, several program alumni have recently expanded with new downtown locations, proving the program’s lasting impact transformating Downtown San Francisco:
Hungry Tables (257 3rd Street) – A new restaurant from Mo Abdelmeguid, following the success of his first concept, Hungry Crumbs.
GCS Agency (100 California St, Suite 140) – The creative studio and branding agency turned their temporary storefront into a thriving hub and have now opened a second gallery.
Jerry’s Roast Pork (Two Embarcadero Center) – A new sandwich shop from Rosalind Bakery, an original Vacant to Vibrant participant.
“Opening a second location in Downtown San Francisco is both exciting and humbling,” said Mo Abdelmeguid, owner of Hungry Crumbs and Hungry Tables. “Hungry Tables is about more than food, it’s about creating spaces that bring people together, and I’m proud to be part of the energy transforming San Francisco’s downtown.”
Hungry Tables believes magic happens when people from all walks of life sit down to share a meal. Every night is a new experience filled with new menus, honest conversation, and unexpected connections.
A Future Built by Small Business
Vacant to Vibrant shows what’s possible when local small business owners are given room to grow. From taco shops and apparel brands to art studios and coffee bars, small businesses are shaping a new chapter of San Francisco’s story - one filled with creativity, resilience, and community.
Every new pop-up, long-term lease and expansion is proof that San Francisco’s future is being written by its small businesses. We’re proud to stand by these small businesses as they usher in this new chapter for Downtown San Francisco and beyond.
