Tim JohnsSan Francisco initiative Vacant to Vibrant helps pop-up businesses set up in downtown vacancies and is expanding to 11 additional businesses.Last year, owner Matthew Kosoy says the bakery was chosen to be a part of San Francisco's Vacant to Vibrant program.
Matthew credits the program for helping him expand his business from Rosalind's factory in Pacifica to a cafe in the heart of San Francisco. Matthew says he signed a five-year lease back in January for a cafe in San Francisco's Embarcadero Center, one of several Vacant to Vibrant businesses who have done so in the area.This year, the city has selected 11 additional businesses - including a florist and art shop - to sponsor starting this month.
"We've seen all of our costs go up," he said. "Labor costs are at an all-time high. All of our ingredient costs are at an all-time high."A small business owner is suing San Francisco after closing The Grotto and Tarantino's in Fisherman's' Wharf, citing safety among other reasons.In addition to reforming the tax system, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce says the city is actively trying to cut red tape.