On a sunny Thursday afternoon near Pier 33, Carmen was busy cutting pineapple on a plastic table, preparing fruit cups for tourists returning from Alcatraz Island. A few steps away, hot dog vendors blasted music while grilling their food, trying to catch the attention of passersby.
For Carmen, selling these cups was a way to recover the cost of fruit before it went bad. But lately, she and her husband had been feeling down. City workers had been seizing food carts from vendors without permits, making it hard for them to work. “They told me they’d be bothering us every day because of the Super Bowl,” she shared with frustration. “It doesn’t feel like we can work here anymore.”
Around 1:00 p.m., with the pier quiet, she set up her fruit stand, despite her husband suggesting she leave behind his hot dog cart for safety. Three hours later, her concerns arose when city officials descended on the area, confiscating hot dog carts and slapping “Impounded” stickers on them. As she hurriedly attempted to move her cart, it was also seized. Vendors protested softly, but city employees handed out pamphlets reminding them about the need for permits to sell food on the streets.
As the Super Bowl approached, San Francisco welcomed visitors with themed events. More local and federal officials showed up in tourist-heavy areas to ensure safety, but some vendors felt this translated into increased enforcement efforts against them.
Mayor Daniel Lurie emphasized creating “a safe, welcoming experience” for everyone, especially with heightened concerns about crime during large events. However, many vendors and advocates noted that keeping the city welcoming meant pushing unpermitted vendors from public spaces.
Enforcement Before the Big Game
On Monday night, next to a bustling parking lot, another vendor nicknamed “Éxito Q” grilled vegetables and sausages while chatting in Quechua. This would be his last night selling in the city for a while, as city staff had warned of intensified enforcement ahead of Super Bowl Sunday.
He shared, “They don’t want us to sell, that’s what they’ve told us.” A police officer confirmed that the SFPD had been partnered with city officials to enforce rules against unlicensed vendors since the weekend.
City officials claim they routinely inspect and engage with vendors to ensure safe food handling. If a vendor’s equipment is confiscated, they can request a meeting to discuss how to retrieve it. However, many vendors have struggled for years to comply with public health codes and get the necessary permits.
Carmen recounted a tough year, with 15 of her carts seized during enforcement. She emphasized that replacing them is still cheaper than obtaining costly permits. Meeting City regulations for a Mobile Food Facility permit often costs vendors around $15,000, making it out of reach for many.
“We’re not criminals. We’re just trying to work,” Carmen stated. She came to the U.S. with her husband three years ago, driven by the desire for a better life. “I’ve searched for jobs everywhere, but no one calls me back. This is how I support myself.”
Other vendors, like Éxito Q, comply with city warnings, knowing that missed workdays are part of the reality for them. “I don’t get mad at them; they’re just following orders,” he said.
Looking Forward Amid Challenges
Despite the tougher environment, many vendors see the Super Bowl as a chance to earn money. Éxito Q and his friends plan to head to Santa Clara, hoping to sell food to the expected influx of visitors. He knows he has to be cautious — sometimes local enforcement stops them from selling too close to the stadium.
Federal officials have promised there will be no immigration enforcement at the Super Bowl, which eases some fears. However, vendors still worry about local crackdowns affecting their ability to earn a living during such high-traffic events.
Daniel, another vendor who had his cart taken that Thursday, reflected on the difficulties they face as small business owners. “It’s very tough,” he acknowledged. “I think I’m going to go, but I’ll be cautious.”
The challenges posed to food vendors during major events highlight ongoing tensions between safety regulations and the livelihoods of many who contribute to the vibrant street life of San Francisco. The city’s approach could define the future for these small business owners who rely on their carts for income, especially in bustling tourist areas.
