As one of California’s most iconic cities, San Francisco continues to be a global destination, welcoming millions of tourists annually. In fact, in 2023 alone, San Francisco reportedly attracted 23.1 million visitors, according to San Francisco Travel, marking a 5% increase over 2022.
Covering a distance of just 47 miles, the small and dense city is coveted for its diverse arts, culture, entertainment attractions and world-class food experiences.
At the top of the list of must-dos is a visit to the Ferry Building in San Francisco, a local and tourist hub for the shops, restaurants, cultural attractions, weekly farmers market and more, with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge.
“After the pandemic, the Ferry Building focused on supporting existing businesses while also bringing in new ones to keep the space active and inviting for both locals and tourists. This approach not only helped increase foot traffic but also played a significant role in revitalizing the waterfront and the broader city,” says Jane Connors, Ferry Building general manager.
On any given day, hundreds, if not thousands, busily walk through the Ferry Building in San Francisco to explore artisanal goods, sip and nosh at restaurants including Gott’s Roadside, Cholita Linda and Hog Island Oyster Company, and doing my favorite, people watching, as you see and hear people from all over the Bay Area co-mingling with those from around the world.
Small Businesses Find Community at the Ferry Building in San Francisco
With more than 40 businesses specializing in artisanal products from honey, coffee and caviar to Argentinean empanadas, small batches of handmade hummus and toum and wine shop, small businesses are a backbone to what makes the Ferry Building in San Francisco a favorite city destination.
Two businesses, in particular, have expanded their footprint while building community among diverse patrons looking to experience the vibe of San Francisco under one roof.
Keba Konte’s Red Bay Coffee was founded on the basis of community and empowerment. Headquartered in Oakland, California, Konte’s successful coffee brand with the mantra “Beautiful Coffee to the People,” moved into the Ferry Building in October 2020, seven months after the world was shut down and uncertainty for businesses loomed.
“The Ferry Building location aligns with the mission and vision of Red Bay Coffee. We exist to bring beautiful coffee to the people and this location allowed us to do so in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. We love it because of the geographic beauty, the incredible history and selfishly because it’s my hometown,” Konte says.
As someone who doesn’t drink coffee but frequents coffee shops to work, Red Bay Coffee’s signature vibrant look and feel is so comfortable that you may look up only to find that time has quickly passed by.
Konte shares, “The vibe of the Red Bay Coffee shop at the Ferry Building is beautiful. Spectacular views, with giant palm plants and modern lounge furniture and good vibes. Our team is trained to be very approachable for coffee novices while holding a high standard of coffee excellence. We want our guests to feel like they can discover something new or just relax into their favorite comfort drink. You will find an ethos of craft coffee, organic offerings, and welcoming hospitality.”
San Francisco native Shani Jones’ Peaches Patties, also at the Ferry Building in San Francisco, takes you to the island of Jamaica as a tribute to her mother, Victoria Jones, aka Peaches. Peaches Patties is one of not even a handful of Caribbean food businesses in the city catering to taste buds looking for authentic jerk, rice and peas and, of course, Jamaican beef patties.
By V. Sheree Williams
