Melting Pot Fondue Plans a Return to San Jose

Tampa-based Melting Pot has targeted San Jose for a long-awaited return to the Bay Area, with plans to open by the end of the year. The chain previously operated locations in San Jose, San Mateo, and Larkspur before those sites closed, and company leaders now view the city as one of the strongest expansion opportunities in the region. The former San Jose location was where Paper Plane is today at 72 S. First Street and operated from 2005 to 2009.

Officials selected San Jose for its population density, family-focused demographics, and balanced age and income profile that matches the brand’s positioning as a go-to spot for special occasions. The company relies on data analysis tools to pinpoint markets, and San Jose consistently ranks at the top of their list over other California options.

A typical Melting Pot restaurant spans roughly 5,000 square feet, creates 35 to 70 jobs, and carries an average investment of $2.1 million. The brand already runs three California outposts in Sacramento, Thousand Oaks, and San Diego, and the new San Jose site would restore fondue dining to a city that has room for one or two locations, possibly including one in Downtown San Jose.

Those who recall the interactive cheese and chocolate experiences will welcome the return of curated fondues, fresh salads, wines, and spirits served in a lively social setting. The addition brings another distinctive dining choice that supports local hiring and enriches the city’s growing collection of celebration-worthy restaurants.

Source: SVBJ

Square Pie Guys Brings Detroit-Style Pizza to Downtown San Jose, Slice of Homage Planning New Downtown Venue

Detroit-style pizza fans gained a strong new reason to visit San Pedro Square when Square Pie Guys opened inside San Pedro Social at the end of March. The Bay Area favorite brought its signature square pies with crispy, caramelized cheese edges right into the center of Downtown San Jose.

With several successful locations already operating across the region, Square Pie Guys expanded to its seventh spot after building momentum in Campbell. The team chose the San Pedro Square location specifically to experience how the brand connects with the steady crowds generated by events and the surrounding energy of Downtown.

They have taken up residence in the old Slice of Homage location (honestly my favorite pizza place of all time). The transition has opened the door for Slice of Homage to pursue a larger venue in Downtown San Jose. The popular pizzeria, which ran in the space for two and a half years, will return later this year with more room, parking, an expanded menu and a full bar to create an even better experience for guests.

Source: SVBJ, SVBJ (2)

Flora is Blooming in Santana Row

San Jose foodies are getting yet another trio of compelling reasons to head to Santana Row. Flora San Jose will soon transform the long-vacant Rosie McCann's space into a versatile all-day dining destination on a prime corner behind Hotel Valencia.

Russ Fukushima and Jameson Parvizad of Water Tower Kitchen team up with Danny Shafazand of Bell Tower Cafe and NOVA Nightclub in Downtown San Jose to create the new concept. Guests will enjoy a seamless shift from bright morning meals to lively evening dining with an evolving menu that matches the time of day.

At the same time Bacio di Latte is already scooping its high-quality Italian gelato at Santana Row, and Johnny Doughnuts will soon bring its nationally acclaimed handcrafted doughnuts to the neighborhood.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose’s Food Trucks Take the National Stage: Jojo’s Hot Chicken and Joe’s Taco Shop Shine

San Jose’s culinary scene just earned a major spotlight. Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 food trucks list features two local stars: Jojo’s Hot Chicken at No. 4 and Joe’s Taco Shop at No. 94. 

Jojo’s Hot Chicken, parked at 1587 Kooser Road between Cambrian Park and Almaden Valley, delivers a flavor fusion that’s hard to resist. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., it blends the fiery heat of Nashville-style hot chicken with the aromatic depth of Ethiopian and Eritrean spices. Owner Yohana Gedam traded a steady car dealership career for his love of cooking, creating combos, sandwiches, and bowls that pack a punch. Grab a bottle of Jojo’s signature sauce to keep the experience going at home.

Meanwhile, Joe’s Taco Shop at 1609 Morrill Ave., just north of Japantown, brings nearly 35 years of Mexican food mastery to the list. This long-standing favorite serves up tacos, tortas, burritos, quesadillas, and chavindecas, those irresistible corn tortillas stuffed with cheese and meat, often grilled to crispy perfection. Beyond daily service, Joe’s caters events like parties, weddings, and corporate lunches, weaving itself into the fabric of San Jose’s community. Decades of dedication have made it a local legend.

The Bay Area shines bright on the list too, with Vallejo’s La Piñata (No. 6) and Rumi Kabob (No. 83), Napa’s Tacos El Muchacho Alegre (No. 61), and San Francisco’s El Gallo Giro Taco Truck (No. 81) joining the ranks. This regional strength highlights a thriving food truck culture, but San Jose’s entries stand out for their unique stories and flavors, anchoring the city as a culinary hub. Next time hunger strikes, roll up to Jojo’s Hot Chicken or Joe’s Taco Shop. One offers a spicy, soulful journey while the other delivers timeless comfort.

Source: SVBJ