San Francisco’s beloved food truck collective, Off the Grid, is transforming a long-vacant Uniqlo storefront in Union Square into a vibrant holiday market, marking an exciting collaboration with the city’s Vacant to Vibrant program.

The 30,000-square-foot space promises to be more than just another pop-up, with founder Matt Cohen envisioning an immersive experience that blends culinary delights with art and music. This innovative approach aims to breathe new life into downtown’s empty retail spaces while creating a dynamic community gathering spot.

Located at 111 Powell Street, the pop-up is strategically positioned in a storefront that has remained unused for nearly four-and-a-half years. Mayor Daniel Lurie’s initiative to revitalize vacant downtown spaces has made this creative project possible, showcasing San Francisco’s commitment to adaptive urban renewal.

While traditional food truck events typically happen outdoors, this brick-and-mortar pop-up represents a unique pivot for Off the Grid. Visitors can expect a curated experience that goes beyond typical market offerings, with a focus on creating a festive, communal atmosphere that celebrates local food culture.

The holiday market is expected to open before Thanksgiving and remain active through the early days of 2026, providing a timely intervention in Union Square’s currently subdued retail landscape. By transforming an empty storefront into a dynamic cultural space, Off the Grid demonstrates how creative entrepreneurs can reimagine urban spaces during challenging economic times.

This pop-up is part of a broader trend of innovative urban revitalization efforts, joining other Vacant to Vibrant projects like Dandelion Chocolate and The Intersection of Art and Technology. It represents a hopeful sign of San Francisco’s resilience and creativity in reimagining commercial spaces.