Barista Will Open NoPa Cafe in Former Starbucks Space
The independent operator is expanding to a second San Francisco location in late 2026.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Barista expects to open its second San Francisco coffee shop between October and November 2026 at 1799 Fulton St. The space was previously occupied by a Starbucks that closed at the end of 2024.
Why it matters
The move marks a continued shift in the local retail footprint as independent operators backfill vacancies left by national chains. This transition occurs as Starbucks executes a larger strategy involving 250 store closures across North America.
Starbucks is closing 13 locations in the Bay Area as part of a North American reduction of 250 stores. Barista, which opened its first site in 2023, is expanding to its second location while planning for a potential third.
The players
Barista
An independent San Francisco coffee operator with one established location in Presidio Heights.
Starbucks
A global coffeehouse chain currently reducing its North American footprint.
The details
Barista is taking over the site at 1799 Fulton St, located two blocks from the University of San Francisco campus. The site previously housed a Starbucks that shuttered permanently at the end of 2024. The arrival of the new cafe follows the September 11, 2026, closure of a nearby Lucky grocery store, changing the retail landscape for the neighborhood.
Timeline
The Starbucks at 1799 Fulton St closed permanently at the end of 2024.
Barista opened its original Sacramento St location in 2023.
A nearby Lucky grocery store closed on September 11, 2026.
Starbucks will conclude its fiscal year on September 30, 2026.
Barista is expected to open its new cafe between October and November 2026.
Market Landscape
This expansion follows the pattern of independent cafes replacing national retail spaces vacated during corporate consolidation. The move illustrates the local churn occurring as national chains rationalize their portfolios while independent businesses capture vacant urban real estate.
Operators should monitor shifts in neighborhood foot traffic following the exit of anchor tenants like grocery stores or national coffee chains. Reviewing lease opportunities in previously occupied corporate spaces may provide access to established high-traffic locations.
The takeaway
Independent operators can find strategic growth opportunities by acquiring former national-chain footprints in high-density areas. Monitor the specific competitive dynamics near vacated anchor retail sites when scouting for your next expansion location.
Further reading
For more on the changing retail environment in the city, visit Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRON4.
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