These iconic neighborhood markets have shaped San Francisco’s food culture for generations, becoming treasured landmarks where locals connect over specialty items, fresh produce and authentic experiences you won’t find at chain stores.
Rainbow Grocery Cooperative
When San Franciscans want to shop somewhere that aligns with their values, they head to Rainbow Grocery Cooperative in the Mission. Operating since 1975, this worker-owned market stands as one of the city’s most enduring examples of cooperative business principles in action.
Rainbow Grocery began as a small bulk foods store run by members of an ashram before evolving into the expansive market it is today. The 20,000-square-foot space features an astonishing selection of organic produce, bulk foods, herbs, spices, and specialty items that cater to virtually every dietary preference and restriction imaginable.
What truly sets Rainbow apart is its business model. Each employee is an owner with voting rights on business decisions, creating a shopping experience where values and community take precedence over profit margins. The store’s commitment to environmental sustainability extends to its product selection, with an emphasis on organic, locally-sourced foods and environmentally-friendly household products…