As temperatures soar across the region, businesses along the San Francisco coast are experiencing a significant uptick in customer traffic, thanks to a week-long heat wave. Coastal cities such as Half Moon Bay, Sausalito, and San Francisco are witnessing an influx of visitors seeking relief from the sweltering heat inland.
Bob Partrite, CEO of Fog Harbor Fish House located at Pier 39 in San Francisco, noted that many guests are traveling from areas like Sacramento, the East Bay, and even the Central Valley to escape the oppressive heat. “We see a lot of guests coming from Sacramento, the East Bay, even the Central Valley will come up for overnight, just to get away from the heat because it’s so unbearable,” he shared.
The extended duration of the heat wave has allowed businesses to prepare adequately for the increased demand. Partrite explained, “We’ve had time to bring in more food, alcohol, and chefs and servers to handle the rush.” Since the onset of the heat wave, the restaurant has reported a 15 to 20 percent increase in business, depending on the day.
Retailers at Pier 39 are also reaping the benefits of the warmer weather. Dylan Defreitas, who owns three shops at the popular tourist destination, reported a remarkable surge in customer numbers. “We’re probably seeing about 20 to 30 percent more [customers]. It’s a big jump for us,” he stated. To accommodate the influx, Defreitas has stocked up on extra merchandise and brought in additional staff for the weekend rush.
“Getting the stores with as full of products as we can. We have extra people here today. We’re probably going to be here late, we’re going to be staying late,” Defreitas added, highlighting the proactive measures taken to meet the demands of the increased foot traffic.
In addition to bustling shops and restaurants, local beaches are also packed with visitors looking to soak up the sun. Gemma Estevez, a beach-goer visiting from Southern California, expressed her excitement about enjoying a beach day. “We decided to have a fun beach day. We have a picnic going with some food and we’re just enjoying the nice heat,” Estevez shared while relaxing at Crissy Field Beach.
Nearby beaches, including Baker Beach and Ocean Beach, are also seeing a surge in visitors. Chloe Neil, another beach-goer, remarked, “It’s absolutely gorgeous with the view of the Golden Gate Bridge, which never gets old. I might even get into the water today.”
The heat wave has not only brought more customers to the coastal businesses but has also created a vibrant atmosphere along the beaches, as families and friends gather to enjoy the sunny weather. With the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and iconic landmarks, the San Francisco coastline is the perfect escape from the heat.
As temperatures remain high, local businesses are optimistic about continued patronage from those seeking a respite from the heat. The combination of scenic views, outdoor activities, and refreshing coastal breezes makes the San Francisco area a prime destination for those looking to enjoy the summer weather.
In summary, the ongoing heat wave has proven to be a boon for coastal businesses in the San Francisco area, as both locals and tourists flock to the coast in search of cooler temperatures and enjoyable experiences. As the heat continues, it is likely that the trend of increased foot traffic will persist, further benefiting the local economy.
