By Vickram Agarwal

A construction wall bearing the Bi-Rite logo has gone up at 6001 California St., signaling that the popular grocery and deli chain may soon be coming to the neighborhood.

Residents of the Richmond District got their first concrete sign of the local chain’s potential arrival when construction walls appeared around the site of a former corner store right next to the #1-California line bus stop on the corner of 22nd Avenue and California Street. The old shop, which had struggled to draw shoppers in recent years, has been the site of quiet speculation since it closed, and reports of Bi-Rite filing for permits in City Hall set of a wave of discussion in the neighborhood.

The historic corner building, built in 1917, has stood as a Richmond staple for more than 100 years. For decades, the 4,200-square-foot building operated as a family-run grocery store under various names, most notably the Appel & Dietrich Fine Food Market and later the Super K Market. Known for its iconic red neon signage and classic corner-store architecture, the site remained a local fixture until falling vacant in recent years.

In an official statement, Bi-Rite confirmed it is engaged in a lease for the site but urged caution: “It’s important to note that there are still several contingencies that need to be resolved before their plans can move forward.”

On April 24, the chain announced the confirmation of the Richmond location, with an opening set for 2027.

Perhaps the most-discussed wrinkle in the story is the location itself. The prospective Bi-Rite Market would sit directly across from Angelina’s Deli-Café, the beloved local deli that has been a fixture of the neighborhood for over 30 years. Although small, Angelina’s has earned a cult following among local residents, and on a sunny day, the shop is always packed to the brim. One particular market that Angelina’s controls is elementary and middle school students looking for soft-serve or a sandwich after school.

However, the shop now faces the prospect of a well-funded chain competitor on its doorstep, known for its ice cream. Bi-Rite currently has shops in the Mission, NOPA and Russian Hill neighborhoods.

Whether its presence would create competition that would cut into Angelina’s Deli-Café’s business – or simply draw more foot traffic to the block – remains to be seen.

Reaction among Richmond District residents has been largely positive, if cautious. Many neighbors have welcomed the idea of a full-service grocery and deli option within walking distance, particularly given the neighborhood’s predominantly residential character and limited retail options.

“I am super excited for Bi-Rite to be bringing us the best from local farmers and producers, and thrilled they are investing in our corner of San Francisco,” one resident said. “I can’t wait for their prepared foods, their baked goods and making everyday celebrations and holidays easier with Bi-Rite in the neighborhood. The space has been vacant for too long, and it’s a huge win for all of us to have the addition of Bi-Rite in the community.”

The proximity to the #1-California bus stop will also support the accessibility of the store, allowing for commuters and people without cars to easily grab groceries.

Rishi Kohosla, a Richmond resident and property manager, described the general popularity of the renovation.

“I live in the Richmond, my kids go to school in the Richmond and my office is here too,” Kohosla said. “We manage apartment buildings all across the neighborhood, so hundreds of our residents are my neighbors. What I hear from them constantly is that they want more places to walk to that still feel local. Bi-Rite is exactly that – no massive parking lot, not another run-down storefront, just a great store built for people who actually live here.”

For many, the potential arrival of a Bi-Rite Market carries real benefits for the Richmond District. Increased access to groceries and prepared foods, a revitalized corner that has long hosted an under-performing store and added activity near a transit stop are all reasonable upsides. A new business also typically brings a handful of local jobs.

On the other hand, chain grocery stores in residential neighborhoods are not without drawbacks. Delivery trucks, extended hours and increased foot and vehicle traffic can alter the character of a quiet block. Neighbors on streets adjacent to the site may feel those effects most acutely. But parking has emerged as the dominant concern. The Richmond District’s streets rarely have open parking, and some residents worry that a new grocery destination could draw shoppers from surrounding areas, clogging blocks that were not designed for that kind of traffic.

“We’re not just opening a store,” Co-CEO Brianne O’Leary Gagnon stated in Bi-Rite’s announcement. “We’re committing to the neighborhood for decades to come. Our goal is to create a space where people feel taken care of, and stay connected to their community.”

For more information, visit biritemarket.com.