New Cafe Opens at SFO

Written by SFO Staff:

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is pleased to announce the opening of Marina’s Café, a new small-business startup owned and operated by long-time members of the SFO community.

Marina’s Café, located in the Rental Car Center, represents a lifelong dream for Lupe Rodriguez and George Issa, both of whom began their careers at SFO in the concessions area almost 15 years ago, said Airport Director John L. Martin.

“We are very proud of George and Lupe, who are first-time business owners from our Airport community,” Martin said.  “The opening of Marina’s Café in the Rental Car Center demonstrates our dedication to increase local business participation at SFO.  We wish George and Lupe every success in their new venture.”

Lupe Rodriguez immigrated to the Bay Area from El Salvador in 1990, and began working at SFO as a cashier, rising through the ranks to manager of a food and beverage outlet.  George Issa, who immigrated from Egypt in 2000, began work at SFO shortly thereafter and also rose through the ranks to assistant general manager of an SFO restaurant.

The two met at SFO and married in 2010.  Marina’s Café is named after their late daughter.

“We appreciate this tremendous (small business) opportunity that SFO has provided for people like us,” said Lupe Rodriguez.  “We especially like to thank John L. Martin and everyone at the Airport for their support and encouragement.  This is our baby.”

Marina’s Café, located in the Rental Car Center, will operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.