Here in San Francisco, we’ve come together to put limits on corporate chains in order to protect the integrity of our city.

Under San Francisco law, chain stores are categorized as “formula retail” if they have 11 or more locations. This definition covers big box stores such as Target and Costco, fast food franchises like McDonald’s and Taco Bell, chain restaurants such as Applebee’s and TGI Fridays, and other corporate businesses.

When massive retailers come in, the impact on neighborhoods can be devastating. But thanks in part to our formula retail controls, we have a vibrant small business community in San Francisco, with as many independent bookstores per capita as New York City, about 80 local hardware stores and over 900 independent retailers.

The Retail Workers Bill of Rights will expand on our existing laws to better protect the employees of formula retailers.