Bb.q Chicken Plans Second San Jose Location on Hillsdale Avenue

San Jose food lovers gain another destination for Korean fried chicken when Bb.q Chicken opens its second local outpost at 1795 Hillsdale Ave. The South Korean chain filed a liquor license application for the spot in a busy strip mall that already includes Home Depot, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Target. This addition brings the brand’s signature offerings to a convenient retail corridor on the city’s south side.

The new restaurant will join existing South Bay locations in Cupertino, Sunnyvale and Milpitas. Founded in 1995, Bb.q Chicken has grown into a global operation with thousands of stores across dozens of countries. Its menu features crispy fried chicken alongside Korean classics such as tteokbokki, rice bowls and dumplings.

The chain built its reputation on quality Korean street food and a focus on bold flavors. With rapid expansion across the United States since 2014, the brand continues to introduce more communities to its take on familiar favorites and lesser-known dishes from the Korean table.

Chicken-focused concepts keep multiplying throughout Silicon Valley. Several other national chains have announced or opened new sites in the region over the past year, reflecting strong local demand for this category of fast-casual dining.

Source: SVBJ

Game Day Score Big at AJI Bar & Robata in Downtown San Jose

Soccer fans seeking a new gathering place in Downtown San Jose will have the launch of a special themed menu at AJI Bar & Robata this month. Located inside the Signia by Hilton San Jose, the restaurant designed dishes around the global tournament under headings like Hat Trick Nachos, Penalty Kick Sliders, and Kickoff Buckets of Wings.

The Gochujang BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos come piled high with waffle fries, queso, smoked crema, pineapple salsa, jalapeno, cotija cheese, and green onion. The Red Card Steak Sandwich features six ounces of New York steak on artisan bread, chimichurri sauce, caramelized onion, sauteed mushrooms, and onion rings.

Order Lemon Tamarind chicken wings by the ten or twenty count bucket and select from available sauces. The mix and match Wagyu Hot Dogs include options such as Chili Cheese, Bacon & Brie, and Surf & Turf.

A full bar complements the food with wines, beers, artisanal cocktails, Japanese whiskies, and sakes. Creative combinations appear in drinks like the Smoked Samba, which blends Maestro Dobel reposado, mezcal, house-made honey syrup, fevertree ginger beer, and lime juice. The Passion Fruit Pisco Sour combines El Gobernador pisco, Chinola passion fruit liqueur, lemon syrup, and egg white.

AJI opens at noon on Bay Area match days and equips the space with TVs and projection screens for optimal viewing. The themed menu runs through July 1. I've been here multiple times and have never been disappointed. Grab a seat, order a few items to share, and experience the matches in the heart of Downtown San Jose.

New Eight-Story Apartment Building Planned Near SAP Center

San Jose adds has a new proposed mid-rise development in the Garden-Alameda neighborhood. Plans filed with the city show a new eight-story apartment building at 945 W. Julian St., right at the intersection with Morrison Avenue. The project would replace a house and office that currently occupy the site and bring 136 new units to the area.

The development team, headed by Anthony Ho, envisions a mix of homes suited to different needs. Twenty-eight studios would measure about 360 square feet. Fifty-four one-bedroom apartments would come in at roughly 490 square feet. Another fifty-four two-bedroom units would offer around 730 square feet each. The site covers just under a half acre.

This stretch of Julian Street already hosts the Diridon West apartments, a 249-unit project completed in recent years at the corner of Stockton Avenue. The current proposal would make use of Senate Bill 330 provisions that help expedite housing reviews across California.

Living here would put residents within easy reach of SAP Center events, from hockey games to major concerts. The spot also benefits from connections to regional transit and the broader momentum building around the Diridon station area.

City planning records describe the submission as preliminary. Final designs and details remain subject to change through the review process. Even at this stage, the plans reflect sustained interest in creating more places to call home near one of San Jose's most recognizable landmarks.

Source: The Mercury News

Matcha Town and Matcha Matcha Bring Authentic Japanese Tea to San Jose

San Jose has added Matcha Town to its roster of specialty tea spots with a location at 1704 Oakland Road. This spot centers on ceremonial-grade matcha imported from Japan with five concentration levels available, from a light Jasmine blend all the way to the robust No. 5 for those who know their preference.

Matcha Matcha has also established a presence in the city through its tea trailer stationed at Spark Social, the food truck and entertainment venue. The operation sources its matcha from Nishio in Aichi, Japan, and already runs another site on Saratoga Avenue.

In nearby Cupertino, BonBon Matcha readies a new cafe that will emphasize convenient grab-and-go service along with creative drinks such as strawberry matcha lattes and traditional Japanese desserts. The roughly 1,000-square-foot space expects to generate about six positions once it begins operations.

The arrivals expand the choices available for anyone seeking a refined tea experience or a refreshing twist on a familiar favorite. Whether you prefer the pure taste of whisked ceremonial matcha or a sweeter strawberry-infused latte, these new destinations give you more ways to enjoy unique matcha experiences.

Source: SVBJ

Playful People Productions Sets the Stage for Joyful Performances in 2026 and 2027

San Jose families will soon have new opportunities to experience the magic of live musical theater thanks to Playful People Productions and its upcoming season of shows. The nonprofit theater company prepared a diverse collection of productions drawn from popular books and films, designed to entertain while building confidence and creativity among participants from young children to adults.

Two productions will launch the season this fall with stories that have delighted generations. Shrek The Musical JR will bring the hilarious adventures of the ogre and his friends to the stage for performers ages five through seventeen. With auditions set for the first week of August, young actors can prepare for performances that run from September twenty-fifth through October fourth at the Historic Hoover Theatre. A homeschool production of Winnie the Pooh will follow a similar path, opening registration on June seventh for children ages five to twelve and offering a cozy run at the end of October.

Adults and those eighteen and older will have their own chance to shine in a secret fall musical whose details Playful People Productions kept tightly under wraps. Those curious about this true story in an unexpected setting can reach out directly to learn more and join the cast. Registration opened at six hundred dollars, with auditions in early August and performances scheduled for mid November.

The 2027 portion of the season will feature two highly anticipated titles that span comedy, adventure, and empowerment. Disney's Descendants: The Musical will arrive for performers twelve and up, bringing the story of villain kids navigating hero school to life with familiar songs and plenty of laughs. Registration will open later this year ahead of January auditions and an early April performance run. Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical JR will then take over with its clever celebration of clever kids and imaginative rebellion. Performers ages eight to fourteen plus a special circus chorus for ages four to seven will rehearse in March for a series of May performances across multiple casts.

Every production will unfold at the Historic Hoover Theatre on Park Avenue, a venue that has become a hub for local performing arts. Playful People Productions spent more than fifteen years creating inclusive environments where families perform side by side and where Positive Discipline supports every participant's growth. This season will extend that mission by inviting the entire San Jose community to take part in or attend these joyful productions that highlight the power of storytelling and togetherness.

For registration and additional information, visit www.playfulpeople.org or call (408) 878-5362.

Greyhound Station Gains Fresh Purpose as San Pedro South Entertainment District Emerges in Downtown San Jose

A stretch of underused land in Downtown San Jose has gained a clear purpose through the vision of local entrepreneur Mauricio Mejia. He has launched San Pedro South to turn the former Greyhound station and a nearby property into active entertainment destinations. The effort comes as developers hold the sites for future residential projects that face financing hurdles in the current market.

At the Greyhound location, crews have removed graffiti and refreshed the paint in preparation for its role as The Greyhound. This open-air venue will accommodate concerts, festivals, watch parties for major events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings. The setup positions the space to welcome crowds during the FIFA World Cup period.

Across the street at the corner of Post Street and South San Pedro Street, The Domes will feature an interactive structure inspired by the Las Vegas Sphere. This second venue will deliver immersive experiences through its distinctive dome design. The investment for this element alone reaches three million dollars, underscoring the scale of the commitment.

Mejia brings experience from operating nightclubs and contributing to the Urban Vibrancy Institute, known for its energetic block parties across the city. He has secured partnerships with local businesses including Selva Tequila Bar, Myth Taverna & Lounge, Chico de Mayo Street Tacos, and The Prestige Venue. These collaborations will support hospitality needs across the district while the properties await their longer-term redevelopment.

By activating these spaces now, the project reduces the burden of ongoing property taxes and maintenance for the owners while injecting fresh activity into the surrounding blocks. Mejia has expressed confidence rooted in his affection for the downtown core. Initiatives like this one strengthen the appeal of Downtown San Jose as a place where people gather, celebrate, and connect, advancing the city's standing as a dynamic urban center.

Source: SVBJ

Free Live Music Returns to St. James Park for an Unforgettable June Lineup

The John Santos Sextet will play a free concert on June 20, spotlighted Latin jazz in St. James Park. This multi Grammy nominee and his ensemble will explore the historical threads and improvisational fire of styles from Cuba, Puerto Rico and wider Latin America. Scheduled openers are Future Dead Ringers and Bloco do Sol. The full program invites all ages to enjoy food trucks alongside a beer and wine garden in the open air setting.

June 21 will deliver a high energy celebration of Father s Day, Make Music Day and global soccer excitement. Los Rakas will bring their signature Panamanian mix of hip hop, plena, reggae and dancehall to the stage as headliners. The Grammy nominated duo, known for empowering narratives and collaborations with artists across genres, will headline a day that also features Kaefan, Rogê and local DJs such as Mumbai Rani.

Further dates in the series will extend the momentum with themes ranging from lowrider Souldies to Prince tributes and salsa instruction. Co presentations with groups like MACLA and CUKUI ensure each weekend reflects the breadth of San Jose artistic voices.

These gatherings in a green space steps from Downtown San Jose reinforce how shared music experiences foster connection across neighborhoods. With every free event, the Levitt San Jose initiative demonstrates the power of accessible arts to energize community life and lay groundwork for a lasting cultural landmark.

For the complete schedule, volunteer opportunities, or to support the pavilion project, visit levittsanjose.org.

San Jose Will Host a Free Soccer Celebration at San Pedro Square as the FIFA World Cup Brings Major Economic Gains to Downtown

The FIFA World Cup will generate between $480 million and $630 million dollars in economic impact for the Bay Area and Downtown San Jose is preparing to capture a significant share of that activity over the next six weeks. Businesses throughout the area adjust staffing levels and supply chains now to handle the expected surge in visitors.

San Pedro Square will transform into the central gathering spot for soccer fans with the Soccer Celebration running from June 11 through July 19. Admission stays free, and more than ten thousand people already signed up for the June 11 opener between Mexico and South Africa. A twenty-seven-foot screen will rise above the square, funded in part by the San Jose Earthquakes along with hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional entertainment investments from the team and partners.

Restaurant leaders such as those at Nuvo Hospitality plan for sustained sales growth rather than single peak days. They draw on experience from Super Bowl 60, which delivered strong results thanks to effective promotion and good weather, while avoiding the overstaffing pitfalls seen during Super Bowl 50. The activation of the Entertainment Zone ordinance will allow to-go alcohol sales for outdoor consumption, a welcome change for big events like this.

This event highlights San Jose's growing role in international soccer, supported by its dedicated facilities and the current momentum of the San Jose Earthquakes near the top of the MLS standings. Families, friends, and visitors from around the world will find a welcoming space to share in the excitement of the planet's premier sporting event, all while boosting local establishments in the heart of Downtown San Jose.

Source: SVBJ

Affordable Housing Tower Advances Next to Berryessa BART Station

Progress on a 10-story apartment building at 1565 Mabury Rd. brings nearly 200 affordable homes closer to reality in Northeast San Jose. The development stands right next to the Berryessa BART station parking garage. Once finished, it will deliver a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences aimed at households earning up to 80 percent of the local area median income.

San Diego-based Affirmed Housing leads the effort after securing a ground lease from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. County records show an $11.1 million payment for the lease. Permanent financing of $162.6 million received approval through a combination of tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and contributions from Citibank, Santa Clara County and the City of San Jose.

The building will contain 193 affordable units plus two market-rate apartments reserved for on-site managers. Forty-five studios, 43 one-bedroom units and 105 two-bedroom apartments make up the affordable portion. These homes target working families and individuals who need stable housing near reliable public transit.

Location beside a major BART station supports the kind of dense, transit-oriented growth that reduces reliance on cars and connects residents directly to jobs across the region. The project represents one of several efforts turning long-discussed plans into actual buildings on underused land.

Leaders in land-use planning note that sites immediately adjacent to rail infrastructure represent prime opportunities for taller residential structures. This approach makes efficient use of existing transit investments while expanding housing choices in established neighborhoods.

Source: The Mercury News

Strata is the New Fine Dining Benchmark in Downtown San Jose

Rollati was one of my favorite restaurants in Downtown San Jose. It's flagship corner spot anchored the neighborhood, sitting under the MIRO towers across from the iconic San Jose City Hall (which our logo is based on). While I was sad to see it go, I immediately lit up when I found out the proprietors behind it's replacement are the geniuses behind Eos & Nyx, Alter Ego, Still OG, Paper Plane, and Miniboss. Needless to say expectations were very high for Strata, especially since they are taking a huge risk on the menu.

It's the first restaurant in San Jose to open with a Michelin-style fixed price tasting menu. Some like ADEGA have evolved into this type of experience, but Strata is all-in from day one. In the elegant dining room, that is the only option. Fortunately, it's one of the most affordable ones out there at $75 for 5 courses (with some optional supplements). You can also sit at the bar or lounge and order a-la-carte off a more casual menu. In the dining room you can add extra courses from the a-la-carte menu as well (which we did because we were really hungry).

The first course was a tuna tostada with salsa macha chorizo, avocado, and cilantro and an al pastor torta with pineapple salsa. They were both delicious and felt like an upscale nod to San Jose's street food scene.

Second was our favorite dish of the night. A rockfish crudo in one of the most unique plates I have ever seen. It featured white soy aquachile, serranos, cilantro, and crispy rice. You can also add caviar for an extra $25. I was told it was 1oz, but this is perhaps the one mistake they made on opening day because it was maybe 1/5 that at best. That sauce was so good that we spooned up ever last bit.

Third up was a ricotta stuffed tortellini (optional shaved truffle for $15) and chicken friend morrels (extra $15). The morrels which we somehow didn't get a picture of were amazing. One of the best mushrooms I have ever had. I should also mention that this restaurant group is know for amazing craft cocktails. I got a Bollywood Old Fashioned with chikoo, popcorn (?), and aromatic bitters. It did not disappoint.

The 4th course was the main. We had the rockfish and the chicken roulade. Both were amazing, I'd get either again. The meat and veggies were perfectly seasoned and every sauce really stood out. There was a 3rd option we didn't try which was a Prime NY steak with garlic chive for an extra $25. We also added the burger from the lounge which we gobbled up too fast to get a photo of--it was super tasty and guaranteed we'd leave stuffed since we skipped lunch.

Last but definitely not least were the desserts. There was a choice of a soft serve passionfruit ice cream with toasted coconut and brown butter crumble or a chocolate hazelnut semifreddo with candied hazelnut and cherries. We got once of each and enjoyed both but the chocolate hazelnut was the standout option. I couldn't leave without trying one more cocktail so I also got a "Tan Lines & Deadlines" for dessert. This was their take on an espresso martini with vodka, cold brew, coconut, turbinado, mole bitters, cinnamon, and salt. Easily one of the best dessert drinks I've had anywhere.

To wrap up, this is the new king of date night in San Jose and the benchmark for Downtown San Jose fine dining. Their menu will change every 6-8 weeks, focusing on fresh local ingredients that are in season. It's pricey but overall a good value for the quality of food, service, and ambiance you get. My tip would be to avoid the upcharges and instead add a 6th or 7th course from the bar/lounge menu to try as many different dishes as possible. I hope I'll get try out a few of the different menus this year. I'm very happy to see Strata Downtown and wish them much success.