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

Chayakada Brining Custom Chai to San Jose

San Jose gains a unique spot for tea lovers with the opening of Chayakada at 117 Bernal Road, Suite 80, where each cup of chai gets brewed from scratch on the stovetop to match individual tastes. Owner Aleena Thomas, hailing from Kerala in southern India, brings the concept of a traditional chayakada to life as a dedicated tea shop with snacks and bistro food, marking what she describes as the first of its kind in the United States. After leasing the 4,000-square-foot space in November 2024 and securing permits in May, the cafe welcomed guests starting June 1, filling a gap in personalized chai options often overlooked in favor of standard recipes at restaurants.

The menu extends beyond drinks to include dozens of homestyle meals and baked snacks, all prepared in-house by a five-person team without outside investors. Thomas envisions the space as more than a quick stop, incorporating a kids library, game room, lounge area, and multipurpose hall for events to encourage lingering and connection. On opening day, around 500 visitors arrived, leading to nearly 600 free cups of chai served, while the first week saw 1,000 people, five catering events, and hundreds more cups poured, as shared on their Instagram.

This addition highlights San Jose's growing diversity in culinary experiences, drawing from global traditions to create welcoming environments. With its focus on accessibility and customization, Chayakada invites residents to explore new ways to enjoy chai while fostering a sense of belonging in the community.

Source: SVBJ