Ground Floor Goldmine: Where Downtown San Francisco Shines Again
New signs, open doors, and a ground floor alive with movement. Downtown San Francisco welcomed six new ground-floor businesses over the past six months, with three more expected to open in the coming months. Each new business brings a burst of fresh energy to downtown’s ground floor experience, complementing the charm of long-standing shops and restaurants that have defined the area for years.
To support downtown’s growth, the Downtown San Francisco Partnership (DSFP) tracks business openings and closures, using these insights to guide our programs and services and ensuring we meet the needs of over 420 ground-floor businesses.
Discover the highlights from our newest businesses and see why downtown San Francisco is the city’s most dynamic destination.
Spotlights - New
Wayfare Tavern
This San-Francisco icon made a short move from Sacramento Street to Pine Street. Celebrity Chef Tyler Lawrence’s flagship restaurant is a two story tavern, famous for its fried chicken and deviled eggs among other authentic American dishes. Open daily, this spot serves up an impressive brunch, lunch, and dinner experience.
Branch Furniture
This furniture startup just opened the doors to their first retail store in Jackson Square. Branch is here to elevate your workspace with a curated selection of furniture designed for professionals- including their bestselling ergonomic chairs, standing desks, and office accessories.
Bingo Street Coffee
The answer to our Mysore-style coffee prayers, Bingo Street Coffee is the latest addition to the incredible cafes in the Financial District. Offering a unique sugar variety called jaggery, this coffee store enriches the diverse mix of flavors and offerings in the downtown area. The coffee store opens at 6:30 am every weekday, fueling the days of the office goers and visitors.
Crustacean
The House of An’s Crustacean joins the ranks of downtown San Francisco’s must-visit dining destinations. This iconic institution, now in its new Financial District home, continues to serve its legendary crab and garlic noodles in a radiant, unforgettable setting. After three decades in Nob Hill, this beloved classic begins an exciting new chapter.
Schlok's Bagels and Lox
The forever-expanding bagel scene of downtown San Francisco welcomes Schlok’s second San Francisco location. Their house-cured cold-smoked lox is ‘Everything’ to us. Rest assured, when you step through their doors, you are getting a bagel freshly baked that very morning.
The Bar Method
With nearly 100 boutique fitness studios across the United States and Canada, Bar Method opened its newest location in downtown San Francisco in June 2025. This addition to the downtown wellness scene offers professionals, residents, and visitors another option to move their bodies and connect with their community.
Spotlights - Upcoming
Ama
On the grounds of the Transamerica Pyramid Center, you will soon find this Japanese-Itameshi (Japanese-Italian fusion cuisine). Chef Brad Kilgore’s Ama, next to his neighborhood bistro Cafe Sebastian, will have its grand opening on September 24, 2025, according to the SF Chronicle.
Aji Kiji
One of San Francisco’s most famous sushi spots is moving from Japantown to our very own Financial District in October this year. Popular for its takeout bento boxes and sushi sets that are worthy of being art pieces, this spot adds another dimension to the vibrant and thriving downtown area.
Gambino’s NY Subs
Serving bold flavors and towering subs, Gambino’s NY Subs will give workers and visitors a fresh reason to stop by street level in the Financial District. According to Eater, the brand is set to open its third San Francisco location around the end of November.
Why Downtown SF? Why Now?
Downtown San Francisco has always been more than an address, it is the economic and cultural hub of our city. For businesses, that means increased visibility, engagement and connection. The downtown streets bustle with a vibrant mix of workers, visitors, and residents throughout the day. As employees return to offices in the gleaming high-rises, they’re driving the resurgence of the district. In July 2025, the average daily footfall in downtown San Francisco was north of 100,000 people.
Filled storefronts create a vibrant atmosphere that draws people in, boosts customer traffic, and drives sales- supporting local businesses and encouraging continued investment in the area. New business openings are transforming the streetscape, creating a more inviting and vibrant environment that draws people in.
However, timing is just as important as the location. Chef Jinwoong Lim, owner of Aji Kiji, told Eater, “Many people still worry that downtown business hasn’t recovered since the pandemic, but I feel things are improving this year. The government is making efforts to revitalize the area, and some businesses are beginning to return.”
After a few years of ground-floor vacancies, the landscape is shifting: lease opportunities are accessible, property owners are motivated to activate storefronts, and the city’s Vacant-to-Vibrant program is empowering small businesses to launch pop-ups that boost foot traffic. Meanwhile, the Downtown San Francisco Partnership is fostering a more inviting atmosphere through events, activations, public realm improvements and clean-and-safe initiatives.
Conclusion
Businesses help define the identity of the district, shaping how people experience the area. Which is why these ground floor business openings are more than just individual ventures, they are a part of the wave of confidence supporting downtown San Francisco’s revival.
Written by Annoushqa Bobde, Research and Data Associate