"I see empty storefronts in prime areas of SF all the time... I guess the owner's just looking for a big pay day."
Have you ever worked or owned commercial real estate? (I have).
They are looking for many things including what they feel is the right stable tenant that can pay the rent, keep the property in good condition, and has a good chance of staying in business.
Would you accept the first job offer from someone who offered you a job? If you were out of a job for 1 year would you take a job that you felt was beneath what your capabilities was?
Commercial real estate owners evaluate the market and what they can get for the property and many other factors.
You are being simplistic if you reduce this to "just looking for a big payday".
if parking pages were to become illegal, it wouldn't take long for parking providers to turn in to "blog hosters" or whatever.
I see empty storefronts in prime areas of SF all the time... I guess the owner's just looking for a big pay day.
sucks, but i don't think there's anything you can do.