TJPA ANNOUNCES NEW RESTAURANT, MODI, OPENING AT SALESFORCE TRANSIT CENTER IN DOWNTOWN SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco, CA – The Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA), owner and operator of the multimodal Salesforce Transit Center, today announced the opening of MODI, an inventive Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant, in the heart of the Transbay neighborhood. Serving as the first restaurant activation on the ground floor of Natoma Street between First and Second Streets, MODI, joins three other Center restaurants opened in 2023: Per Diem, Tycoon Kitchen, and Charleys Cheesesteak. MODI’s grand opening is an illustration of the continued reinvigoration of Downtown San Francisco as workers, visitors and riders return; as well as a demonstration of TJPA's commitment to the neighborhood's economic vitality and highlighting the important role tenant space activations are to San Francisco’s downtown economy.

“MODI’s grand opening complements the vision of the Salesforce Transit Center as a vibrant hub for culture and cuisine,” said Adam Van de Water, Executive Director of the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA). “This beautiful full-service restaurant will not only provide an outstanding dining experience but also expand on the TJPA’s commitment to fostering community connections and supporting local small businesses.”

“As one of the City's unique open spaces, the Salesforce Transit Center is not only an iconic destination for residents, workers, and visitors to explore, but it is a place for bringing together the community through food and cultural exchange. So, it's exciting to see MODI adding to this dynamic space that serves thousands of people in San Francisco and from around the world," said San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed. “San Francisco’s small businesses, along with its renowned restaurant scene, not only drive the city’s economy—bringing in tens of millions of dollars and creating thousands of jobs—but also provide vibrant spaces for people to gather, dine, and have fun.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome MODI to the thriving Transbay neighborhood,” said District Six Board of Supervisor Matt Dorsey. “Their opening on pedestrian-friendly Natoma Street speaks to our city's resilience and commitment to revitalizing our neighborhoods and will boost economic activity and community connectivity along this pedestrian street. As we celebrate the grand opening of Modi, we are not just welcoming a new restaurant to our vibrant Downtown—we're embracing a culinary destination that showcases the rich flavors of Mexico and Italy. I encourage everyone to come enjoy the extraordinary dining experiences in the neighborhood and support our local businesses.”

Nestled in the iconic Salesforce Transit Center at 88 Natoma Street, MODI boasts a contemporary design that reflects both Mexican and Italian aesthetics, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests. The talented culinary team, led by Chef Marco Avila, has meticulously crafted a menu that features unique dishes such as Birria Lasagna, Pizza al Pastor, Risotto Milano Mexico, and Branzino Pesto Achiote expertly combining flavors and techniques from both cultures. In addition to high-quality service and supreme ingredients, MODI also features a cocktail menu that rivals San Francisco’s best – paired with live entertainment that creates a blissful vibe.

MODI’s opening comes at an important moment with San Francisco’s Downtown resurgence, with neighborhood companies increasing the number of employees back to office work and the City actively leading the development of entertainment zones along with hosting music and entertainment events like “Downtown First Thursdays,” where Second Street between Mission and Howard closes for a street celebration, bringing upwards of 10,000 people monthly since May 2024.

“We are excited to bring MODI to life in San Francisco,” said Dario Nicotra, founder and visionary of MODI. “Through MODI, similar to our restaurant, Acquolina’s impact to the North Beach neighborhood for close to 10 years, our mission is not just to serve innovative food, but also to create a space where the community can come together, enjoy exceptional meals, and celebrate diverse flavors. MODI goes beyond the concept of a restaurant; it is a space where cultural fusion is celebrated, and life at work and beyond work is embraced. San Francisco and the Transbay terminal are the perfect location for it. We’re thrilled to be part of downtown San Francisco’s vibrant return, by offering a unique fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisines in an ambiance inspired by both the Mediterranean and Yucatán Rivieras. The strength of MODI also lies in a team driven by genuine passion and energy, with Davide Tringali and Matteo Avallone partnering, ensuring an exceptional experience for every guest. We greatly appreciate the TJPA’s partnership and support along with the City’s assistance to successfully open our second SF restaurant.”

This restaurant is the second of owner Dario Nicotra and Chef Marco Avila’s in San Francisco (joined by Acquolina in North Beach and the Italian-Japanese fusion, Ciaorigato coming soon to Union Square). MODI is a completely new build-out of the 2,073-square-foot restaurant that began in 2019, making it the first restaurant to open on Natoma Street within the iconic Salesforce Transit Center. MODI will be open daily (except Sundays) from 11 am to 10 pm providing lunch and dinner with a plan to offer brunch in the future. It also plans to add to San Francisco’s diverse night-time scene by featuring live entertainment in the outdoor patio.

MODI joins 12 other tenants providing dining and services at the Center, including dining establishments within the Shaw Alley corridor: Per Diem, Tycoon Kitchen, and Venga Empanadas. Over 70% of the nearly 100,000 square footage of the Transit Center’s retail space is leased; in addition to the dining spaces, wellness services are found on the Center’s second level, which includes Onsite Dental, Kaiser Care Essentials, Spring Fertility, and Fitness SF. Additional establishments expected to open at the Center include Dim Baos and Juice Bar, along with a second Barebottle Brewing location in the Transit Center’s Grand Hall. For a directory of the Center’s retail services, visit https://www.tjpa.org/salesforce-transit-center/retail-directory.

For more information about MODI and to see their drinks and food offerings, visit https://www.sfmodi.com/.

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About the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA)

The Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA) is charged with delivering the Transbay Program, a visionary transportation and housing project that has transformed downtown San Francisco and the Bay Area’s regional transportation system by creating a world- class transportation hub in the heart of the Transbay neighborhood. The TJPA has completed two of the three components of the Program by replacing the former Transbay Terminal at First and Mission streets in San Francisco with a modern regional transit hub, the Salesforce Transit Center, that currently connects nine Bay Area transit systems and creating a transit-oriented neighborhood with new residents, shops and open-space.
 

The TJPA is working to complete the Program by delivering the third and final component of the Program, The Portal, also known as the Downtown Rail Extension, which will extend Caltrain and ultimately, California High-Speed Rail service from 4th and King streets to the Transit Center in downtown San Francisco. As the owner and operator of the multimodal Transit Center, the TJPA manages the 5.4-acre public Salesforce Park, found on the Transit Center’s rooftop and partners with the East Cut Community Benefit District to provide free Park activities and events throughout the year. The name of the Salesforce Transit Center and Salesforce Park is the result of a naming rights agreement with salesforce.com that helps fund the Center’s operating costs.