San Francisco convinces Safeway to keep store in Fillmore open

Amy Larson
·2 min read
1
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Mayor London Breed said she has “good news” for residents in the Fillmore neighborhood after Safeway agreed to keep one of its stores open for one more year.

The grocery store on Webster Street will remain open until January 2025, Breed announced Monday.

On January 4, Safeway said the company planned to close its store at 1335 Webster Street and sell the property. Employees told KRON4 that crime was a big reason why. Longtime Fillmore customers and residents also expressed concerns about public safety in the area.

“As soon as we heard Safeway’s announcement to close in less than 60 days, we said clearly, and unequivocally – not here, not now,” said San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston. “I am thankful that Safeway has listened to the hundreds of community members who demanded they reverse plans to close a critical location to so many of our vulnerable community members.”

Fillmore Safeway
Fillmore Safeway

As part of the agreement to keep the store open one more year, Breed directed the San Francisco Police Department to commit additional resources to Webster Street.

In-N-Out to close Oakland location, cites crime

“The unprecedented decision is a result of Mayor Breed leading extensive discussions with Safeway and the site’s new owner, Align Real Estate, to find an interim solution to keep services in the area for the Fillmore community while future iterations for the site continue to be determined,” the mayor’s office wrote.

City leaders said they will be working with the community to decide what will eventually replace the Safeway store, such as new housing or a different grocery store.

Mayor London Breed talks to Safeway store employees on Jan. 22, 2024. (Image courtesy SF Mayor’s Office)
Mayor London Breed talks to Safeway store employees on Jan. 22, 2024. (Image courtesy SF Mayor’s Office)

“The Webster Street Safeway is more than a grocery store – it serves as a space that brings
together and builds community for the Fillmore neighborhood, which is home to many senior
citizens and families. I am pleased to share we have come to an agreement that extends services
at this Safeway location until next year,” Breed said. “I appreciate Safeway for being a good community partner to San Francisco.”

Preston said, “Safeway’s decision here is an important first step to making sure plans for this site do not harm the community.”

Safeway has 15 stores located within San Francisco.


For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.