UC San Francisco Real Estate and Retail Services are thrilled that a fully executed lease for the Lotus Corner Market, a grocery store and quick-service restaurant, was signed as of February 20, 2025. The Lotus Corner Market is tentatively scheduled to open in the winter 2025 at 602 Minnesota Street in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood on the ground floor of The Tideland’s, UCSF Housing.
“This marks such an exciting milestone, and we can’t wait to see this amazing new market come to life in the community. We truly believe the Lotus Corner Market will be a fantastic addition and are looking forward to all the great things to come as we work together to bring this vision to fruition,” Real Estate Officer Jeffrey Liu said.
Ground Matrix, which represented both UCSF and Lotus Indian Cuisine in the lease negotiation, is pleased to be bringing the new store to UCSF and the Dogpatch neighborhood.
“This addition fills a critical gap in the area, offering fresh food and grocery options for residents, medical staff, students, and workers. This new neighborhood amenity is set to become a daily go-to for the entire district," Jake Levinson, Director of Northern California Brokerage Services at Ground Matrix said.
The market will provide easy access to essential goods and groceries including fresh produce, healthy snacks, and other nutritious food options that are important in a healthcare-focused community like UCSF.
“Having a market at the Tidelands will offer numerous benefits, including convenience, healthy food options, community building, and an enhanced quality of life for residents and the larger UCSF community. A side benefit is the market can serve as a social hub where residents can meet and interact, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This can be beneficial for mental health and creating a supportive living environment,” Retail Services Manager Tamara Villarina said.
The lease of Lotus Corner Market is reflective of UCSF’s commitment to engaging with and supporting the local community and fostering a sense of mutual support and collaboration.
“Local businesses often bring unique products, services, and cultural perspectives to the community. Lotus Corner Market is no exception by providing day-to-day grocery needs and ethnic Indian offerings, too. UCSF embraces diversity and inclusion, offering residents and the broader community access to a variety of goods that reflect the local culture and needs,” Villarina said.
Lotus Corner Market owner Surinder Pal Sroa, who goes by Pal, has over 25 years of experience running Indian restaurants in the Bay Area, starting with his flagship restaurant, the Lotus Cuisine of India, which he founded in San Rafael in 1998.
Sroa is in the process of finalizing the menu items for the new market, which will include grab-and-go foods, breakfast options, and lunch specials. He is committed to stocking organic, non-GMO, and Ayurvedic products for the new market in addition to ensuring essential items like toilet paper are stocked for the local community's needs.
Sroa put a figurine of Ganesha in the new store as a good luck charm.
He also plans to set up online ordering and delivery services (e.g., Instacart, DoorDash) for the new market to increase accessibility for those who may have difficulty visiting the store in person.
“We need to accommodate the local community. It's going to be more than an Indian grocery store or Indian restaurant; it’s going to also be a grocery store and corner market, providing whatever people may need for immediate use. If customers have a demand, then we have to bring that in over time. That's the only way you can grow.”
This community-oriented approach to business ownership comes from the legacy of Sroa’s father, who ran a local store in rural India.
“My dad had a grocery store in India since 1920. He was launched as a community person because we lived in a farming area, we would have to charge clients every 6 months when the crop comes. I think it’s in my blood. What you see your parents do, you end up doing.”
Giving back to the community is a cornerstone of Sroa’s business model, and he enjoys providing food to those in need by donating food and hosting events such as The Lotus Cuisine of India’s annual free Thanksgiving dinner.
“I believe in giving to the community. That's my whole thing. I want to share what I know, and I want everyone to succeed. I want to serve the community well. If the community remembers you when you go, that’s all that matters.”
For Sroa, the most exciting part of this venture is the opportunity to serve the neighborhood and see his customers grow.
“I'm basically a people person. I live and breathe customers. That's what I do. They're my family. I have 3rd generation and 4th generation customers coming into my restaurants. Some of the [customers] I knew as kids are doctors now. They used to sit in my lap while their parents were eating. I just love the whole part of community and family.”
According to Villarina, UCSF’s decision to lease to a local market owner underscores its commitment to supporting small businesses, which are often the backbone of local economies.
“Supporting local businesses contributes to the economic vitality of a community, and by leasing to a local market owner, UCSF helps create jobs, stimulate local economic growth, and keep money circulating within the community. This support is crucial for the survival and growth of small enterprises in an increasingly competitive market,” Villarina said.
The hope is that Lotus Corner Market will become a neighborhood staple, mutually beneficial for the UCSF campus and the broader city.
“UCSF values innovation, excellence, and service. By partnering with a local business, UCSF exemplifies innovative community support, excellent service provision, and a commitment to serving the local population. This partnership not only benefits the local business owner but also enriches the UCSF community as a whole,” Villarina said.