Mayor Lurie Announces B.Patisserie Expansion at Union Square

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today announced that renowned San Francisco-born bakery b. Patisserie is expanding to Union Square, bringing its celebrated pastries to one of the city’s iconic locations. In collaboration with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, b. Patisserie will open a kiosk in the plaza, offering a selection of its signature pastries, including the famous kouign-amann, for residents, workers, and visitors. This one-year commitment follows a successful pop-up during NBA All-Star Weekend and the Chinese New Year Parade, which was also the safest on record.

The expansion represents another step in Mayor Lurie’s work to revitalize downtown and foster a vibrant, 24/7 neighborhood. In recent weeks, companies like Databricks, Strava, and JP Morgan have expanded or committed to expand their office footprints downtown. Mayor Lurie is also taking action to facilitate the area’s recovery, launching PermitSF to streamline the city’s permitting process for small businesses, creating a permanent San Francisco Police Department Hospitality Zone Task Force to keep the area safe 365 days a year, and passing legislation with the Board of Supervisors to facilitate conversions of empty offices into much-needed new homes while proposing new state legislation to support nightlife by creating more liquor licenses for new bars and restaurants to open.

"b. Patisserie’s arrival in Union Square is a clear example of the momentum we’re building in downtown San Francisco," said Mayor Lurie. "As a fan of their food, I’m excited to see them join a growing and vibrant mix of businesses in this historic area. This is the latest in a series of steps to bring new life to our city center and create a vibrant, 24-hour neighborhood where people want to live, work, and visit."

"Union Square is the beating heart of San Francisco, and we are excited to welcome b. Patisserie to this cherished and historic plaza," said Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg. "Their recent pop-up was an incredible success, drawing enthusiastic crowds who couldn't get enough of their mouthwatering pastries. With their full-time presence, b. Patisserie will elevate any visit to Union Square, making it an even sweeter experience for everyone."

Owned by award-winning pastry chef Belinda Leong and business partner Michel Suas, b. Patisserie has been a San Francisco institution since its opening in 2013. The bakery is known for its European-inspired pastries, earning accolades such as the James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker.

Leong and Suas have signed a one-year lease for the café kiosk at 350 Powell Street, with an expected opening in late March. The Recreation and Park Department will seek a permanent tenant for the space later this year.

"San Francisco has always been good to me, and Belinda was born and raised here," said Suas. "It’s part of our responsibility to give back to the city, to help where we can. We hope people will come to Union Square, feel comfortable, and support local businesses."

"We’re excited to offer something delicious and convenient for everyone who works, lives, or visits Union Square," added Leong. "We hope this kiosk becomes a spot where the community can gather and connect."

In addition to the b. Patisserie activation, the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) has partnered with Biederman Redevelopment Ventures Corporation to reimagine Union Square with daily programming and amenities. Visitors of all ages will find something to enjoy, with a diverse lineup that includes music and chess classes, story time for toddlers, lively blues and jazz performances, cardio dance and juggling lessons, and amenities such as ping-pong, cornhole, and a variety of tabletop games.

On March 22, 2025, with OEWD funding, the Union Square Alliance will transform Union Square with its vibrant Tulip Day celebration where visitors can pick their own tulips from a vast display of approximately 80,000 flowers as part of their larger Union Square in Bloom campaign, running from March to September to ring in the spring. A full calendar of events is available at visitunionsquaresf.com.