Union Square Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez is being inducted onto the Wall of Fame at Historic John’s Grill

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc. / David Perry (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

MEDIA ADVISORY / REQUEST FOR ONSITE COVERAGE:THURSDAY, MAY 23: 12pm – 2pm

WHAT:
Union Square Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez is being inducted onto the Wall of Fame at Historic John’s Grill. Luncheon, celebration, and photo hanging.

WHEN:

Thursday, May 23: 12pm – 2pm
Accredited press can schedule an interview with Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez between 11:45am – 12:30pm

WHERE:

Historic John’s Grill, 63 Ellis Street

WHO: 


Special guests include former Mayor Willie Brown, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, President of Union Square Alliance Board and Grosvenor Americas Mark Purdy, CEO of the San Francisco Hotel Council Alex Bastian, Rodney Fong, CEO & President of San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and San Francisco Travel Association’s Lori Lincoln.

WHY:

Marisa Rodriguez is the Chief Executive Officer of Union Square Alliance, a downtown association, and has dedicated her career to public service and most recently the downtown recovery, specifically in Union Square and the greater hospitality zone.

Rodriguez, a visionary and solutions-driven leader, was brought in to help catalyze a turnaround in the district and meet the challenges of the post-pandemic era. She has crafted a forward-thinking strategy that reimagines the crucial role of zoning, safety, campaigns spurring visitors, and other key elements for the long-term health and vitality of the district. 

One of her many contributions is the “Union Square in Bloom” campaign, developed in 2022, which puts a modern twist on the district’s rich floral history. John’s Grill is one of 43 businesses participating in this initiative with all three floors of the restaurant (inside and outside) bursting with purple flowers. 

Often quoted as saying, “Union Square is where we come to celebrate life’s greatest moments,” Rodriguez’s mission is to uplift and preserve Union Square as San Francisco’s vibrant nexus where hospitality, culture, and regional transportation converge for generations to come.

Rodriguez’s photo will join the likes of prominent historic and influential figures such as Hillary Clinton, Willie Brown, former police chiefs and Herb Caen. This distinction symbolizes Rodriguez’s remarkable contribution to the Union Square community and her commitment to a better San Francisco. 

Her photo will be a lasting testament to her impact, remaining on the Wall of Fame for years to come at John’s Grill, a legacy business serving the community for 115 years, and for another one hundred. Marisa will be styled by Banana Republic’s senior wardrobe consultant of the West, Antonio Contreras, representing a prominent Union Square business.

Quotes:

“I love our beautiful City by the Bay. This honor is very special to me. I remember as a child coming to John’s Grill with my family. I stared at the photos on the wall in awe, curious about who the people were and the impact they had on San Francisco. And now to be counted among many inspiring leaders is truly humbling. Our downtown is so critically important to the health of our city as a whole and I am proud to be a part of the effort to bring it back. I want to thank John’s Grill and the entire Konstin family for this recognition and all they do to support our community for over 115 years!” – Marisa Rodriguez, CEO Union Square Alliance

Johnny Konstin, Owner of John’s Grill:

Marisa Rodriguez represents the future of this city. She is the first civic leader we have honored in this way since the pandemic. We appreciate her efforts on the downtown recovery as she works tirelessly to bring our city back. John’s Grill couldn’t be happier to acknowledge her efforts for our city. This honor is a thank you for all she’s done and will continue to do. It’s special for us too, as her photo will greet guests who come to dine with us, and we can share her hard work and commitment to San Francisco. Marisa is a dear friend to John’s Grill and the Konstin family, making this recognition even more meaningful.”

Mark Purdy, Alliance Board President and President of Grosvenor Americas: “Marisa came to us during a difficult time, and this honor is well-deserved. Her achievement is a testament to her strong leadership when we needed it most, and it shows that our community also sees and values her contributions. While we know we aren’t out of the woods yet, her presence has brought major changes, strategic vision, light, and green shoots of hope.”