Flora Restaurant Arrives at Santana Row with Style

Santana Row will gain a versatile new restaurant this summer when Flora opens in the former Rosie McCann's space. The 4,800 square foot venue will seat roughly 170 guests around a 26-foot indoor-outdoor bar and will create 70 to 90 local jobs. Three South Bay hospitality veterans have teamed up to transform the long-vacant site into an all-day destination with service stretching from brunch into late night, including weekend hours until 2 a.m.

Danny Shafazand, Jameson Parvizad, and Russ Fukushima draw on experience from other local spots to create something distinct. They have worked with Basile Studio, the firm behind several other San Jose projects, and R3 Builders to shape a nature-inspired space. The design supports flexible programming that shifts with the time of day, allowing the atmosphere to evolve from daytime meals to evening gatherings with music and entertainment.

The partners aim to make Flora the heart of Santana Row and a place that attracts visitors from across Silicon Valley. Rather than replicate the past, they have focused on building a fresh identity with elevated yet approachable food and beverage offerings that blend familiar elements in new ways. Entertainment will adapt throughout the day, with DJs and live music integrated to match the moment, whether during weekend brunch or later hours.

This investment signals continued momentum for Santana Row as it refreshes its mix of dining and nightlife options. The substantial commitment from the team reflects their desire to deliver a flagship experience that combines their collective years in hospitality.

Source: SVBJ

The Stand is Coming to San Jose

San Jose is welcoming a new addition to its vibrant food landscape as The Stand opens its doors at 503 W. Capitol Expressway. This marks the chain's second spot in Silicon Valley, building on the success of its Santa Clara location. The 3,600-square-foot space includes a spacious enclosed patio that seats up to 185 guests, complete with a full bar for those seeking a relaxed meal or evening out. As the city continues to grow its culinary offerings, this arrival adds accessible American favorites that appeal to families and food enthusiasts alike.

The menu delivers a range of options designed to satisfy varied tastes, from signature burgers like the Stand burger and bacon jalapeno burger to sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, and wraps. Recent additions include bowls such as the miso salmon bowl, Tex-Mex bowl, and teriyaki chicken bowl, reflecting the chain's attention to evolving food preferences. Specials rotate every few months, ensuring repeat visits bring something new. With an emphasis on quality ingredients and affordable prices, The Stand positions itself as a go-to for casual dining in San Jose.

Beyond the food, The Stand commits to community involvement, having raised about $250,000 for local organizations in 2024. The San Jose site employs 40 team members and prioritizes personal service, avoiding kiosks in favor of direct interactions. Plans for handheld reordering from tables will enhance convenience while maintaining that human touch. The downloadable app allows guests to earn rewards, skip lines, and access delivery, making it easy to enjoy from anywhere in the city.

Source: SVBJ