This week is San Francisco Small Business Week! With more than 85,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs in the city alone, our team is constantly supporting (and celebrating) small businesses. Whether it be the niche market or family-owned feel, SF’s small businesses keep our community together and are something we will continue to spread the word about.
We asked the UPR team to share a bit about some their favorite small businesses – here is what they came up with:
Claire B. – Off the Grid
What is it?
A food truck paradise that was founded in June 2010. It’s a one of a kind street food experience located in different areas across the Bay Area. Oh, also – Matt Cohen, the founder of OTG, was named 2018 SBA Small Business Person of the Year.
Why I love it?
Hanging out with my roommates at OTG on a Friday night is unlike any other experience you can find in the city. The food is always delicious, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the company is even better. There’s live music, bonfires, and countless food options – everything from Chinese crepes and poke, to tacos and fresh donuts. I mean… what more could you ask for?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BixeK4ZF7JZ/?taken-by=upraise_pr
Lauren – One Ocean Seafood
What is it?
A local fishmonger who provides sustainable seafood on Pier 45. Patrick Guyer, the head fishmonger, takes pride in providing environmentally-safe, locally-sourced seafood throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Why I love it?
His seafood can be purchased at local farmers’ markets and online through GoodEggs and GrubMarket, or you can pick it up or have it delivered directly to your home. We’ve even spent time with Patrick on holidays when he delivered several pounds of seafood for our 7-fish Italian Christmas Eve dinner and shucked oysters in our kitchen.
https://www.instagram.com/p/otetKCkW-P/?tagged=oneoceanseafood
Ari – Pet’s Corner
What is it?
Pet’s corner is a community minded, family owned pet store with locations in the Richmond and Sunset Districts. In their cozy stores, you will find nutritional, premium foods from the best natural food suppliers.
Why I love it?
The owner (Jonathan) is committed to knowing each person (and pet) that walks in the door. His goal is not to just sell the products on his shelves. The staff spends the time to educate and help enrich the lives and wellbeing of everyone’s pets through proper care and nutrition. They are committed to helping owners find a diet that best suits their pet’s individual needs and not based on kickbacks from companies. If they do not have a product in stock, they will gladly order it, even if it is just a one-time thing. I have been Pet’s corner customer since it first opened and won’t shop anywhere else.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg4Ox7xBl98/?taken-at=1026601001
Claire N. – Urban Putt
What is it?
An intricate indoor mini golf course in San Francisco’s Mission neighborhood.
Why I love it?
Urban Putt is a great place to go for a change of pace when you have guests in town, or on a rainy day. The food is great, and the drinks are even better. You can even host private events at the location. There’s usually a brief wait (or a long one at peak hours), but the time passes easily with quality cocktails and craft beer. Pro tip: pair your visit with a trip to nearby El Techo or Foreign Cinema – but make sure you have reservations.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV-0AlrlCCI/?taken-by=urbanputt
Tim – Café Dolci
What is it?
It sounds like an Italian pastry shop, but the food’s not Italian and they don’t serve pastries! It’s my favorite hole-in-the-wall Bahn Mi place.
Why I love it?
Linda and Danny (right) serve great sandwiches and spring rolls, are always friendly and made the effort to learn my name and what I liked. They always wave when I walk by, even if I’m not buying anything. Way too small for a website, but check out their Yelp reviews (the people who give them less than four stars don’t know what they’re talking about, I’m just sayin’).
https://www.instagram.com/p/BftROpajoLL/?tagged=cafedolci
Victoria – Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
What is it?
An award-winning pizzeria in San Francisco’s North Beach/Little Italy neighborhood.
Why I love it?
Tony’s Pizza is world-renowned for its artisan pizzas. They can be on the pricey side, but it’s worth it. We didn’t believe it until we tasted it ourselves. Take the Burratina di Margherita, the Gold Cup Winner of the International Pizza Championship, with its focaccia-based crust, melt-in-your-mouth fresh burrata and drizzled balsamic reduction. Skip the slice house and sit down at the restaurant.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfosXi1AB-k/?taken-by=tonyspizza415
Team Favorite – Alemany Farm
What is it?
An urban farm in South San Francisco.
Why I love it?
Alemany Farm allows locals and visitors alike to connect with their food by learning more about where it came from and get a plants-eye view of our food’s growth cycle through volunteer opportunities. Volunteers take home fresh food straight from the gardens. If you only think of food as coming from a grocery store, you should visit and volunteer at a farm at least once in your life to get to know its origins.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQMTjb4AS8i/?taken-by=alemany.farm
Team Favorite – Uforia Studios
What is it?
A group fitness studio located in Nob Hill.
Why I love it?
Uforia is an upbeat boutique studio with dance, strength, and spin classes that are the perfect combination of high energy, sweat, and fun. The environment is welcoming, the teachers are enthusiastic, and the music is always on point. In our opinion, it’s the most fun way to burn 500 calories after a day of work.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfrV4TDDYNJ/?taken-by=uforiastudios
Team Favorite – Nijiya Market
What is it?
A seafood-based Japanese market in the Japantown/Pacific Heights area.
Why I love it?
The best place in the city to find reasonably-priced, sushi-grade fish – and sushi-related goods to go with it. The market carries Japanese produce and grocery goods, including snacks, sake, wasabi, bento boxes, ready-to-go sushi, candies, and more. Apple Pay and Android Pay are accepted, and there’s a parking garage – Nijaya Market will validate your parking if you spend $30 or more.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd0xC_BAXFb/?taken-at=222398490
Needless to say – small businesses keep this city running and our team happy!