About 50 people gathered for the September 10 grand opening of Mission Loteria, the neighborhood’s newest storefront.
The celebration at 2884 Mission Street included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with founder Luis Quiroz, Mayor Daniel Lurie, District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder, Assessor-Recorder Joaquin Torres, and executive director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development Anne Taupier, among other city officials. Mission Loteria is one of six Andrew Brobst El Tecolote businesses opening across the city this month with support from OEWD’s Storefront Opportunity Grant program.
Quiroz started Mission Loteria in 2019 to encourage people to shop at small businesses in the neighborhood. The game is based on traditional Mexican loteria, with cards that feature people, places, and everyday symbolism from the Mission District. Players collect stickers when they make purchases at participating shops, then submit their completed tablas for a chance to win prizes.
“We started with 30 participating businesses and have grown to 50,” Quiroz said. The game has helped bring new customers to Mission Street merchants, including shops that have little or no online presence.
Inside the recently opened storefront, visitors can buy Mission Loteria card sets, lotería-style merchandise, and work by local artists and products from independent brands. Quiroz says he hopes to eventually turn the space into a hub to promote Mission District businesses and events among residents and visitors.
Mission Loteria’s next game night is September 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Taqueria La Iguana Azul on 928 Geneva Avenue.
