SAN FRANCISCO – As Nordstrom becomes the latest company to acquire shares in downtown San Francisco In search of greener pastures, small businesses lacking those luxuries are still struggling to survive the city’s economic downturn.
After overcoming the COVID pandemic, small businesses in the inner city are facing increasing challenges in the wake of the pandemic.
Bota, a popular tapas restaurant near Union Square, has seen a significant drop in customer numbers over the past few months, with at least 40% fewer patrons year-over-year.
According to manager Steven Martinez, the restaurant’s struggle is real and it’s not just about the pandemic.
“If you look at the restaurant right now, it’s pretty much empty,” Martinez said. “We should be a lot busier, but we’re not. Without any kind of congress, with all the layoffs in town, it really hit our restaurant hard.”
The drop in shops is part of a trend that can be seen walking the streets near the restaurant. Because rental signs and empty shops are becoming more and more common.
“Four years ago it was a great place to come to. Now it’s just … with the violence, the crime, the homeless, even me walking down the street it’s not as shiny and pretty as it used to be,” Martinez said.
Nordstrom’s decision to move away from downtown San Francisco entirely is a wake-up call for small businesses like Bota. Martinez often wonders what might happen to Bota and his staff if things don’t get better.
District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey took to Twitter to express his disappointment at Nordstrom’s departure and stressed the importance of what he believes is the city’s need for a fully staffed police department.
That’s why I believe the voter-approved charter change of good government that I’m co-authoring with @Stefani4CA will be the fastest to make the biggest difference – by sending a strong message that San Franciscos care about *real* solutions use for security. (2/2)https://t.co/2Gxvpw2dzo
— Matt Dorsey (@mattdorsey) May 2, 2023
Martinez agreed, saying they are not giving up and are trying to find different ways to promote the restaurant and its lounge.
“We’re looking for different ways to get attention,” Martinez said.
Mayor London Breed’s inner city recovery plan includes some big tax breaks for businesses. The proposal would give companies in the hardest-hit areas a two-year delay on tax increases, while companies that move their offices to the city could receive a tax credit of up to $1 million for three years.
Breed is also exploring a possible 2024 vote action for broader tax reforms.
Earlier this month the city’s Bureau of Economic and Human Development and the nonprofit SF New Deal launched a new initiative to revitalize the neighborhood.
The Vacant to Vibrant initiative awards grants ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 for pop-up businesses and up to $5,000 for expenses and tenant improvements.
