Equator Coffee reopened its SoMa shop on October 5, after being closed since March 2020. The store, located in the LinkedIn building at 222 2nd Street, is cited as part of San Francisco's downtown area's push towards revival post-COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, it used to frequently host events and cater to customers throughout the week. CEO JP Lachance, with his team, is now trying to regain Equator's standing as an essential city element.
Lachance considers the business resumption scenario to be more "art than science". Although remote work is still widespread in San Francisco, business activities are slowly climbing. Equator Coffee used metrics like local cellphone activity reports to judge the right reopening time. The company believes now is that time.
The reopening coincides with San Francisco's push to regain its pre-pandemic vibrancy. Similar initiatives include the Vacant to Vibrant program and new establishments in the SoMa neighborhood. As reported by SF Eater, entrepreneur Angelina Hong has opened Mosa, an events space, and Aphotic, a Michelin-starred seafood restaurant led by Chef Peter Hemsley, is gaining popularity.
At Equator Coffee's SoMa location, patrons can expect to find an expanded menu, with additional food items, freshly baked pastries from San Rafael's Compagnon Bakery, and decadent breakfast sandwiches. The cafe is currently open from Monday to Friday, with plans to extend operating hours soon. Meanwhile, the shop focuses on growing local bakery partnerships and offers takeaway-prepared food options, including the highly sought-after Boichik Bagels.
Lachance's prudent reopening strategy has proven effective. Take, for example, Equator Coffee's Proof Lab branch in Mill Valley, which reopened relatively early and provides a prime location to customers for outdoor, COVID-safe activities in Marin County.
