The highly anticipated venture of celebrity chef Tyler Florence into two vacant café spaces in Union Square has come to an abrupt end after only a year. Despite receiving significant financial support from the city, the project failed to sustain itself. In September 2023, Florence signed a three-year lease for two underutilized spaces adjacent to Union Square Park, with plans to revitalize the area. The city granted him $440,000 to aid in this endeavor. Initially, both locations opened as Miller & Lux Provisions, offering pastries and coffee on one side and rotisserie chicken on the other. However, the chicken-focused side closed for renovations and never reopened. The patisserie remained operational through the holidays but eventually shut down as well. City officials have since brought in Belinda Leong’s b. patisserie to fill the space. While Florence's departure is disappointing, his other ventures in San Francisco continue.

In the heart of San Francisco, Union Square has long been a focal point for tourism and local activity. When celebrity chef Tyler Florence announced his plans to transform two long-vacant café spaces into vibrant dining destinations, it was met with excitement. The spaces, previously occupied by generic eateries, were leased to Florence in a strategic move by the Rec & Parks Department to breathe new life into the area. The city provided a substantial grant of $440,000 to support the initiative, reflecting its commitment to revitalizing Powell Street and filling empty storefronts. However, despite these efforts, the project faced challenges almost immediately. One café focused on rotisserie chicken, while the other offered pastries and coffee. The chicken establishment closed for renovations shortly after opening and never returned, leaving only the patisserie to carry the torch. Even this proved unsustainable, as it too eventually closed amid preparations for major events in the area.

City officials, recognizing the need for quick action, swiftly recruited Belinda Leong’s renowned b. patisserie to take over the vacated space. This transition happened seamlessly, with the new café reopening within days. The Rec & Parks Department spokesperson emphasized that Florence’s initial venture was intended as a temporary pop-up, though this was not part of the original announcement. The department expressed optimism about working with b. patisserie on a longer-term agreement. Meanwhile, questions remain about the status of a $2 million state grant allocated for the renovation of these two cafés. Former Supervisor Aaron Peskin commented on the situation, expressing disappointment but not surprise at Florence’s departure. He noted that the city had provided extensive support, yet the project ultimately did not succeed.

Florence’s exit from Union Square marks a setback for the area’s revitalization efforts, but it also highlights the city’s resilience in finding new solutions. While the initial plan did not pan out, the swift introduction of b. patisserie demonstrates the community’s commitment to maintaining vibrant public spaces. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that these locations continue to serve as hubs of activity and enjoyment for both locals and visitors alike. Florence continues to operate two other restaurants in the city, indicating that his culinary presence in San Francisco is far from over.