Each fall, our Emerging Leaders and Leadership CORPS Classes come together for a pair of Economic Development & Opportunity Learning Days, immersive experiences designed to help cross-sector leaders understand how jobs, small businesses, workforce development, and community partnerships shape San Mateo County’s economic landscape. This year, more than 80 leaders stepped out of the classroom and onto Grand Avenue in South San Francisco for our Main Street Matters: Grand Avenue Walking Tour.

Across two afternoons, participants explored how immigrant-owned restaurants, specialty retailers, and mission-driven nonprofits fuel economic vitality and community resilience. For many, seeing familiar places with new eyes was a highlight of the Learning Day.

“I’ve been to Grand Ave a number of times, but never the way we toured today. I see it differently now—and I’ll be back.”

Why Grand Avenue? Why Economic Development?

Economic development isn’t just about business growth or revenue. It's about the conditions that help people and communities thrive. In public health, these conditions are known as the Social Determinants of Health: economic stability, neighborhood environments, education and access, social connection, and the systems that surround us.

Grand Avenue offered a living example of how these determinants show up in everyday life. By meeting the people behind the storefronts, our Emerging Leaders and Leadership CORPS participants saw how economic opportunity and community health are deeply connected, and how leadership, policy, and partnership influence both.

The tour illustrated these determinants:

• Economic stability through small business jobs and entrepreneurship
• Access to affordable goods through the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store
• Cultural belonging and social connection through places like the Grand Palace Seafood Restaurant
• Vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that support health and well-being
• Local partnerships that ensure inclusive growth

Three Stops, Three Perspectives

Stop 1: Bitters & Bottles: Innovation, regulation, and the art of niche retail

At Bitters & Bottles, owner Joe Barwin showcased how independent retailers contribute to economic diversity, attract foot traffic, and build the kind of distinct character that online commerce can’t replicate.

Joe shared how a specialty spirits shop can anchor a neighborhood by offering expertise, local sourcing, and a welcoming space for exploration. Our participants asked about the challenges of operating in a highly regulated industry, how Joe built customer loyalty in a competitive market, and what trends he sees shaping the future of boutique retail.

“It was cool to see the variety of businesses. I’m going back to Bitters & Bottles right after!”

“Great to hear directly from business owners and their experiences with the city.” 

Stop 2: Grand Palace Seafood Restaurant: Immigrant entrepreneurship and the role of cultural anchors

At Grand Palace, owner Christina Ng described the history of her family-run restaurant, a beloved gathering space for the community and an example of how immigrant, family-owned businesses preserve culture while driving economic vitality. Participants asked about rising costs, staffing challenges, and how the restaurant has stayed resilient through shifting consumer trends and economic pressures.

“I appreciated the homage to the city we were in… it gave me a different perspective on the place I grew up.”

“Wonderful to learn about these businesses—I’m excited to come back and support them.”

Stop 3: St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store: Mission-driven retail as a cornerstone of community resilience

At St. Vincent de Paul, Director Lisa Collins and CEO Patrick Carbullido explained how the thrift store is far more than a retail operation—it’s a social safety net. Proceeds support programs that feed, clothe, house, and stabilize families in crisis, while the store itself participates in the local economy by providing accessible goods, job pathways, and an opportunity for volunteers to serve.

Participants explored how nonprofit retail fits into the local economy and how mission-driven organizations partner with cities to meet community needs.

“Great to see a good example of urban development and how nonprofits contribute.”

“Love seeing the small businesses AND learning about the community.”

What Participants Took Away

Our participants said the Walking Tour deepened their understanding of how businesses and nonprofits form an economic ecosystem; that hearing stories firsthand and seeing examples in person made inclusive economic development tangible; and that getting outside helped them apply the classroom concepts they are learning in our Immersion Programs. Experiences like this are in demand. Our participants asked for a longer tour and more tour opportunities.

“Firsthand visits are the best way to hear about businesses.”

“I really like the connection this program makes to the private sector—we don’t often get that in local government.”

“Great to get outside and see economic mobility at work.”

Why This Matters for Leaders

The Grand Avenue Walking Tour wasn’t just a change of scenery. This neighborhood experience was an exercise in systems thinking, connecting business climate, cultural identity, workforce development, public policy, and community health. Participants left with a strengthened commitment to advancing inclusive economic development in their own work, organizations, and communities.

“I learned a lot and took away ideas for my city.” 

“This was a great way to connect the topic to real walks of life.” 

Grand Avenue is a case study in resilience, community, and the power of local leadership, and our leaders saw firsthand that economic development isn’t abstract—it’s lived. This is why Leadership Council San Mateo County invests in place-based learning experiences. Economic opportunity doesn’t happen on a spreadsheet—it happens on our Main Streets. 

And on Grand Avenue, it’s happening every day.

Special thanks to our Grand Avenue Walking Tour hosts, our Learning Day speakers and panelists for their generosity.

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Learn about our programs: www.leadershipcouncilsmc.org/programs