The COVID-19 pandemic caused irreparable damage to lives and livelihoods around the country, but in one rare bright spot, it also served to kickstart a new wave of innovative food entrepreneurship around the Bay Area. At the same time that many businesses were struggling, capabilities like pop-ups, al fresco dining and on-demand delivery allowed others to open their doors for the first time or pivot to meet the demands of the new status quo — as well as new customers. But will these innovations outlive the pandemic? Can they spur economic growth and community in the post-pandemic city, and will the rules and regulations that govern our cities keep up? Join us to hear directly from food entrepreneurs and public realm experts as we seek to answer these questions.
+ Carrie Denning Jackson / Sidewalk Labs
+ Nate LeBlanc / Downtown San José Association
+ Be'Anka Ashaolu / Nirvana Soul Coffee
+ Cathay Bi / Dumpling Club SF