For years, Ninth Avenue and Irving Street have been among the Inner Sunset's busiest neighborhood corners. But empty storefronts have changed the feel of the intersection, including the former Reliable Rexall pharmacy.

Now a combination of new tenants and neighborhood-funded improvements could bring more activity to the corridor. The Neighborhood Vibrancy Fund, supported by local contributions and coordinated by nonprofit SF New Deal, has awarded grants to 28 recipients, according to the program's own announcement.

Among the most visible developments is Mama's Boy Pizza, an Oakland business known for New York-style slices, which plans to occupy the former Rexall space at 801 Irving Street. The owners told the San Francisco Chronicle they were aiming for mid-2027, although the timeline could change. For now, the storefront is not yet a place to grab a slice.

More than one new storefront

As The San Francisco Standard reported, another recipient is 403 Coffee, a planned Yemeni café at 403 Irving Street from the family behind nearby KJ Produce. The concept includes coffee, pastries and a place for neighbors to gather later in the day. Its opening timeline remains subject to renovation and permitting.

Grants also support exterior improvements for existing businesses, from lighting to murals and signage. The program's organizers say the goal is not simply to fill individual vacancies, but to make the commercial corridor feel more active and welcoming.

What the neighborhood gains — and what remains uncertain

New businesses can increase foot traffic for nearby merchants, particularly when they fill long-empty spaces. But an announced lease is not an open door. Construction costs, permits, staffing and the economics of running a small business will determine whether these plans translate into durable additions.

The Inner Sunset experiment is worth watching because it offers a neighborhood-led approach: residents invested in the corridor they use, and existing businesses are included alongside incoming tenants. Whether the model spreads to other San Francisco neighborhoods will depend on its results.