Square Opens The Corner Store in San Francisco's Mission District, Creating New Community Hub for Local Business

Running through June, pop-up offers a dedicated gathering space for local businesses to share insights, build community, and discover new tools for growth

San Francisco, CA — Square today announced the opening of The Corner Store, a new community space for local businesses located at 1100 Valencia Street (corner of 22nd and Valencia) in San Francisco’s Mission District. Opening May 27th and running through June, this pop-up initiative will provide hands-on support and educational resources to area merchants and create a point of connection where home-grown businesses can network and collaborate.

In 2024, Square processed more than 20,000 transactions per day in the Mission. The Corner Store further demonstrates Square’s commitment to fostering lasting relationships within the local business community.

The Corner Store will serve as both a daytime resource center and an evening community hub with programming for local business owners and operators. During business hours, sellers can access one-on-one consultations with Square experts, receive personalized guidance on Square’s suite of business tools, and get hands-on experience with the company’s latest innovations, including products and tools recently announced in Square Releases. A selection of curated goods from Mission-based Square sellers will be available, and hardware devices, including the recently announced Square Handheld, can be purchased on-site.

Evening programming kicks off with the Corner Store Launch Party on May 27th, followed by a robust calendar of events designed to strengthen neighborhood connections, provide practical education, offer industry-specific insights, and support business growth, with sessions including:

• Open for Business in the Mission – hear real stories and practical tips for launching businesses in the neighborhood from established local entrepreneurs.
• Local Legacies – learn how longtime Mission businesses navigated growth journeys while staying rooted to their community.
• Rooted in the Mission: Stories of Heritage – celebrate the immigrant voices that built the neighborhood.
• AI for Everyday Business – discover practical, relevant applications of artificial intelligence to save time and get more done.
• At the Table with Local Restaurateurs – participate in real talk on innovation, community, and what’s next amid shifting industry trends from Mission culinary leaders.
• Booked & Busy: Mastering Local Marketing – learn how to build real connections through smart local marketing and community engagement.
• Merch Masterclass: Create New Revenue Paths – get actionable ideas for new revenue streams from this panel, touching on branded merchandise, partnerships, and creative strategy.
• Neighborhood Nights – make connections and enjoy casual gatherings with music, drinks, and conversations to celebrate Mission businesses.
• And special events with OpenTable and Sysco – unlock the power of these partnerships and see how they can uplevel business operations, all while staying integrated with Square.

“As a corner store owner myself, I know how important these establishments are to creating connection and fostering community,” said Ramzi Budayr, owner of Dolores Deluxe and host of the Forever Neighbor podcast. “I’m looking forward to the programming, events, and meeting more local businesses at the Corner Store, so we can continue to support each other and support the neighborhood we all live and work in. Square is continuing to show up as a meaningful partner to local businesses, and setting up shop in the heart of the Mission really drives that accessibility and deep connection home.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Square into the heart of the Mission District through their new pop-up store and participation in Carnaval San Francisco as our official La Cocina’s 20th Anniversary Zone sponsor,” said Rodrigo Durán, Executive Director, Carnaval San Francisco. “Their presence not only brings innovation and economic vitality to our neighborhood but also demonstrates a meaningful commitment to celebrating and uplifting the diverse cultural heritage that defines our community. By engaging directly with local residents and small businesses during one of the city’s most vibrant cultural events, Square is helping to build bridges between technology and tradition, commerce, and culture.”

To learn more about the Corner Store and view our calendar of programming, please visit https://squareup.com/us/en/events/squarecornerstore. To visit the Corner Store as a member of the media, please reach out to press@squareup.com.