SF’s First Bold New “Modular” Parklet Debuts Today (Excelsior Coffee)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

SF New Deal, the nonprofit behind some of the city’s most creative small business support programs, just launched a brand new kind of parklet—and you can be the first to check it out.

Their brand new “Building Blocks” modular parklet model has officially landed at Excelsior Coffee (4495 Mission St), and it’s all about making outdoor public space more accessible, more affordable, and way more stylish.

Designed with flexibility in mind (and built in collaboration with urban designer John Bela), this pilot parklet is cute, customizable, easy to maintain, and reflects the neighborhood’s unique character. Think of it as a Lego set for cities—modular pieces that small businesses can actually afford.

Grab a cup of locally-roasted coffee, check out the new parklet (anytime after 10am on Tuesday), and experience what might just be the future of outdoor dining in SF.

When: Launches Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 10am
Where: Excelsior Coffee, 4495 Mission St.
Why It Matters: It’s a new model that could make life a whole lot easier for small biz owners—and cut through the red tape.

Follow @sfnewdeal for more updates.

SF New Deal Unveils First “Building Blocks” Parklet at Excelsior Coffee, Imagining a New Future for Parklets in San Francisco

SF nonprofit known for innovative, small business serving initiatives launches a new program to make parklets easier to build and operate in San Francisco 

SF New Deal, the nonprofit known for bold, community-rooted solutions to support San Francisco’s small businesses, proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking new initiative: Building Blocks. This program reimagines how parklets are designed, built, and maintained—ushering in a new era of accessible, modular public spaces for small business owners and their communities.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the proliferation of parklets has been transformative for San Francisco, breathing new life into our streets and showcasing the resilience and creativity of small businesses. However, navigating compliance and operations for permanent installations has been challenging for small businesses across San Francisco.

“Building Blocks” responds directly to these challenges with modularly designed units that simplify installation, upkeep, and compliance for businesses. Building Blocks parklets feature shared maintenance costs and adaptable designs that integrate seamlessly with San Francisco’s unique neighborhoods. Through the program model, SF New Deal has funded the design, construction, and maintenance, which, through an affordable leasing-based model, allows small business owners to benefit from the shared spaces program without needing to confront the operational challenges associated with the design and construction of shared spaces.

The first Building Blocks parklet, which will be unveiled next week at Excelsior Coffee in the heart of the Excelsior neighborhood, demonstrates the potential of this innovative model. Building Blocks offers a streamlined, flexible solution to the complex and often costly process of creating and operating compliant, durable parklets.

Since 2022, SF New Deal has worked closely with the City of San Francisco and with hundreds of small businesses to preserve and enhance their outdoor spaces. Building Blocks has been designed in response to the experiences shared by small business owners across the city and their need for a new model.

Building Blocks delivers a modular solution that makes parklets easier to install, manage, and maintain, with shared maintenance services, adaptive designs, and a commitment to neighborhood aesthetics and accessibility. SF New Deal has designed the modular units in partnership with urban designer and Parking Day founder John Bela.

“With Building Blocks, we’re committed to preserving and enhancing San Francisco’s community spirit, making it easier than ever for local business owners to focus on what they do best: serving their communities and bringing vibrancy to their neighborhoods,” said Simon Bertrang, Executive Director of SF New Deal. “We’re taking everything we’ve learned from years of working alongside small business owners and turning it into something simple, practical, and easy to use. This isn’t just about building parklets—it’s about making it easier for people to bring life to their neighborhoods and create spaces where small businesses can thrive.”

The inaugural Building Blocks parklet will launch at Excelsior Coffee and marks the beginning of a broader pilot program.

Founded by partners Lea Sabado and Andre Higginbotham, Excelsior Coffee is a beloved small business that blends a passion for quality coffee with a commitment to the neighborhood’s rich cultural fabric. Beyond serving meticulously sourced and roasted coffee, Excelsior Coffee is a hub for local events, motorcycle enthusiasts, and cultural gatherings, embodying the unique spirit and identity of the Excelsior Outer-Mission community.

“Excelsior Coffee has always been dedicated to creating a welcoming space where our community can connect and flourish. The support we’ve gotten through SF New Deal has made it a reality for us to have a beautiful and compliant parklet that represents our shop and the neighborhood,” said Lea Sabado, co-owner of Excelsior Coffee. “This parklet represents more than just additional seating; it’s a vibrant space on an iconic corner where our communities can come together.”

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony:

Join SF New Deal, Excelsior Coffee, community leaders, and neighbors for the official launch of the first Building Blocks parklet:

• Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM

• Excelsior Coffee — 4495 Mission Street, San Francisco

Together, we’re supporting small businesses and building a more vibrant and welcoming city.

ABOUT SF NEW DEAL

SF New Deal is a nonprofit that strengthens neighborhoods by making it easier for under-resourced small business owners to succeed. Through diverse programs, SF New Deal has disbursed $52 million to more than 1,800 local businesses. To learn more about SF New Deal’s impact, please visit sfnewdeal.org. Join the #SFNewDeal conversation on LinkedIn and Instagram at @sfnewdeal.

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COFFEE 

Excelsior Coffee, located at 4495 Mission Street in San Francisco’s Excelsior District, is a family-owned coffeeshop dedicated to crafting exceptional brews and fostering community engagement.  Visit xlcrsf.com or find them on Instagram at @excelsiorcoffeesf

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.