Showing posts with label san jose food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label san jose food. Show all posts

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Coterie Winery Prepares a Move Closer to the Heart of Downtown San Jose

Coterie Winery has produced small-batch wines in San Jose since 2007, turning an old warehouse near Downtown into a handcrafted operation focused on grapes from select parcels in places like the Russian River Valley, Carneros and the Santa Lucia Highlands. Every bottle follows a berry-to-bottle approach with careful vineyard work and non-interventional methods at the winery.

The team recently signed a letter of intent for a new home in San Pedro Square. After nearly two decades in the city and more than a decade in its current neighborhood, the winery expects to stay within a few blocks of the area it already knows well. The shift should bring longer regular hours, easier parking and closer ties to the food and entertainment options that fill the surrounding streets.

Membership remains open at no cost and delivers substantial savings, with discounts reaching 30 percent on wines and events plus first access to limited releases. Those who join receive periodic allocations and the chance to stay connected through occasional updates on new offerings.

The upcoming relocation places this longtime local winery inside one of Downtown San Jose’s liveliest pockets, where visitors can pair a tasting experience with nearby markets, dining and public spaces. Keep an eye out for the final address announcement as the transition continues.

Source: Coterie Winery and usedmedia

Friday, August 14, 2026

Valley Fair Adds New Dining Energy and Fashion Options

Westfield Valley Fair has continued reshaping its mix of tenants with several notable arrivals and expansions that give shoppers and diners more reasons to linger. Asia Live, a sprawling 15,000-square-foot pan-Asian food emporium from the team behind San Francisco’s China Live, opened in June with seating for 350 guests and open kitchen stations featuring dishes drawn from Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indian and other regional traditions. Heytea has already joined the lineup, and Chagee Modern Tea House is scheduled to arrive later this year.

Cider, a global women’s clothing and accessories brand that built its following online, plans to open its first Northern California store at the mall later this summer. The concept targets younger shoppers and fits the center’s evolving customer base. At the same time, outdoor apparel specialist Arc’teryx is relocating from neighboring Santana Row into a larger 1,700-square-foot space inside Valley Fair, while Starbucks has traded its previous location for a bigger footprint one floor above.

Mall operators have focused on complementary experiences that encourage longer visits. Entertainment options such as Alamo Drafthouse, The Great Big Game Show and Sandbox VR already contribute to dwell times that frequently exceed two and a half hours for a majority of guests. Growing demand for takeout and delivery has also prompted dedicated pickup parking and features like drive-thru windows at select restaurants. These adjustments reflect confidence in the center’s strong local following even as smaller spaces remain popular with many retailers.

The combination of expanded dining, fashion and entertainment positions Valley Fair as a more complete destination for South Bay residents who already treat the center as a regular stop. With Asia Live now fully operating and additional concepts on the way, the property continues to refine what a modern regional mall can offer.

Source: SVBJ

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

CAVA Brings Its Mediterranean Bowls to Santana Row in 2027

After years of fan requests, the popular Mediterranean fast-casual chain CAVA has confirmed its first Northern California location will open next year at Santana Row. The restaurant will take space at 3055 Olin Avenue, Suite 1035, marking the chain’s long-awaited arrival in the Bay Area.

CAVA specializes in customizable bowls and pitas built around grains, proteins, vegetables, dips, and dressings in a style often compared to Chipotle. The company currently operates more than 450 restaurants nationwide, with all of its existing California locations concentrated in the southern part of the state. Two additional Bay Area sites closer to San Francisco are also planned, though exact addresses and timelines remain unannounced.

Each new restaurant typically employs 25 to 40 local team members, so the Santana Row opening should create fresh jobs alongside the expanded dining options. The arrival fills a gap that many residents have noted for some time as the brand’s popularity grew elsewhere.

Santana Row already offers a dense mix of shopping and restaurants, making it a logical first foothold for the chain in the region. Once the doors open in 2027, diners will finally be able to grab those well-known Mediterranean bowls without leaving the South Bay.

Source: KRON4

Monday, August 10, 2026

Grande Pizzeria Makes Its Welcome Return to Downtown San Jose

After seven years of silence on East San Carlos Street, Grande Pizzeria has stepped back into the Downtown San Jose scene across from San Jose State University. Owner Nick Barrita poured more than $250,000 of his own money into the nearly 1,700-square-foot space, which now seats roughly 130 guests including a sizable outdoor patio for 80. The doors opened on August 3 without outside investors, a decision that followed heavy pandemic delays, labor shortages, and climbing costs that kept the longtime campus hangout dark for so long.

Barrita absorbed around $500,000 in losses during the closure yet covered them through his other local spots, La Victoria Taqueria and Burger Bar. The location still sits in a strong position for foot traffic. Major events earlier this year, from the Super Bowl to FIFA matches and FanimeCon, reinforced his belief that San Carlos Street stays lively when the city draws crowds. Regulars had been pushing for the return, some half-joking that they needed the place open before they were gone. The kitchen answered by keeping signature pastas and favorites while expanding the seafood options and shifting to a more casual setup where tables order through QR codes.

Once fully staffed the restaurant expects to employ 10 to 12 people. Nate LeBlanc of the San Jose Downtown Association noted that bringing back a familiar local name fills an empty storefront and strengthens the hospitality mix that helps create lasting memories for students and visitors alike. A similar revival is underway nearby at Peanut’s Deluxe Cafe, another former SJSU favorite now under new ownership with cooperative plans. Together these reopenings add energy to a stretch of Downtown that benefits when college-area classics come back online.

The timing feels right for anyone who remembers the old Grande or simply wants a solid pizza and pasta option steps from campus. The patio offers a chance to sit outside, the expanded menu gives new choices alongside the classics, and the casual approach keeps things easy for both quick bites and longer stays. Downtown San Jose gains another steady presence that ties the SJSU community to the broader Downtown area.

Source: SVBJ


Friday, August 7, 2026

The Silk Route Brings Modern Indian Dining to San Pedro Square

A familiar midblock space at 17 North San Pedro Street will shift from Mexican fare to upscale Indian cuisine this fall. Jasbir Singh and Mandeep Jandir, the operators of neighboring The Brit Sports Pub and Patio, took over the former Olla Cocina site after earlier plans for a modern Mexican steakhouse fell through. Exterior and interior work is already in progress for The Silk Route.

Singh pointed to a clear opening in the local dining scene. Downtown San Jose has lacked a high-quality, modern Indian option even as other South Bay destinations such as Mountain View, Santana Row, Palo Alto, and Santa Clara each support successful spots that draw mixed crowds. He also noted the rising presence of young Indo-Americans around SJSU, the Improv, and San Pedro Square itself, alongside broader interest in Indian flavors among non-Indian diners.

The location carries a long restaurant history. Blake’s Steakhouse occupied it for years, followed by La PiƱata and then Olla Cocina from summer 2016 until fall 2025. A short-lived Bar Tako pop-up filled the gap earlier this year before the current transition. The new concept aims to deliver a refined experience suited to the square’s growing energy.

Expect The Silk Route to open later this fall once renovations wrap. The change adds another distinct flavor to a stretch already drawing steady foot traffic and fresh investment.

Source: The Mercury News

Monday, August 3, 2026

Randy's Donuts Brings Its Iconic Hollywood Flair to Santa Clara

The Los Angeles doughnut legend known for its enormous rooftop sign and appearances in films like Iron Man 2 arrived in the Bay Area on July 31 at 2595 Homestead Road in Santa Clara. Franchisee Ausaf Masud and his partners selected the more than 1,700-square-foot space as their flagship, complete with a kitchen sized to produce doughnuts for additional shops planned across the region.

The location sits a short walk from Stan’s Donut Shop, a Santa Clara institution that has served customers for more than 65 years. Masud’s team chose the Homestead Road site for its layout and freeway access rather than any desire to compete, and both shops are expected to draw steady morning and afternoon crowds given their different closing times. Randy’s stays open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends, while Stan’s wraps up by mid-afternoon.

Beyond the classic glazed and chocolate varieties, the new shop turns out roughly 50 handmade options that include specialty flavors and toppings. Coffee, specialty beverages, and breakfast items round out the menu. The opening created 24 local jobs, and the larger kitchen will supply future Bay Area stores once they open.

Masud’s group already has four more locations in the pipeline, with San Jose, Palo Alto, Fremont, and Redwood City under consideration. The brand’s long Hollywood association and growing catering potential for Silicon Valley companies add further interest for the region. A quick drive or bike ride from much of San Jose puts the new shop within easy reach for anyone curious about the latest addition to the South Bay’s doughnut scene.

Source: SVBJ

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Back-to-School Night Market Returns to Grand Century Mall

Shoppers and families can head to Grand Century Shopping Mall on August 28 and 29 for the Back to School edition of 365 Night Market. The free event runs from 4 to 10 p.m. both days at 1111 Story Road and features more than 50 vendors offering street food, merchandise, and cultural goods.

Live dance and music performances, raffle giveaways, and other entertainment fill out the evenings. Free parking is available on site, and the market welcomes all ages. Organizers stage these gatherings monthly from February through October as a consistent local destination for food and shopping.

The Back to School theme arrives just as the new school year approaches, giving residents a convenient way to grab snacks, unique items, and enjoy performances without leaving east San Jose. Street-food options and vendor booths typically draw steady crowds looking for an easy weekend outing.

This recurring market continues to highlight the variety of flavors and small businesses centered around Story Road. Mark the dates and arrive ready to explore the stalls and stages.

The Jazba Bazaar Brings South Asian Brands to Santana Row

Shoppers can explore more than 50 South Asian-founded brands this Sunday at The Jazba Bazaar. The free open-air market runs from 1 to 7 p.m. on August 2 at Santana Row and features fashion, jewelry, beauty, home goods, art, food, wellness products, and items for kids.

Organized by The Jazba Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting South Asian entrepreneurs, the event gives founders a chance to meet customers face-to-face while visitors discover unique collections. A fashion show is scheduled for 5 p.m., and street food plus Bollywood music add to the afternoon atmosphere.

The gathering continues the collective’s work of elevating consumer brands built by South Asian founders across North America. Attendees can connect with the makers, support small businesses, and spend a few hours browsing under the trees at Santana Row.

This one-day marketplace offers a straightforward way to experience the creativity and variety of South Asian entrepreneurship right in one of San Jose’s most popular outdoor shopping destinations.

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

El Mercadito Brings Weekly Night Market Energy Near SAP Center

A free weekly cultural night market now fills Wednesday evenings in Downtown San Jose through early October. El Mercadito runs every Wednesday from 4 to 11 p.m. at 105 South Montgomery Street, a short walk from Diridon Station and right by the SAP Center.

Organized by Creekside Socials, the market offers street food and gourmet bites from local entrepreneurs alongside stalls selling apparel, homewares, and handmade goods from San Jose makers. The Creekside Art Corridor adds visual interest with work by Ricardo Cortez.

Family-friendly and open to leashed dogs, the gathering creates an easy midweek stop for dinner, shopping, or simply spending time outdoors under the lights. The series began in late May and continues each Wednesday until October 7.

Source: Eventbrite

Monday, July 27, 2026

New Indian Restaurant The Silk Route Prepares to Open in San Pedro Square

A longstanding Downtown San Jose restaurant space at 17 North San Pedro Street will soon welcome The Silk Route Bar and Kitchen after plans for a Mexican steakhouse fell through. Owner Jasbir Singh, who already operates the neighboring sports bar The Brit, filed for a Type 47 liquor license and aims for an October debut.

The two-story, 6,800-square-foot venue represents nearly a million-dollar investment and is expected to create about 25 jobs. Singh identified a clear gap for Indian fine dining in the district and intends to fill it with classics such as chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and various lamb preparations alongside a full cocktail program.

The location sits squarely in the busy corridor between Farmers Union and O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub, a stretch that has drawn strong crowds in recent months. San Pedro Square recorded more than 400,000 visitors during FIFA World Cup watch parties, and additional openings including Southern Comfort Kitchen in the food hall continue to refresh the dining mix.

Earlier tenants of the site included a decade-long run by Olla Cocina, popular with Sharks fans headed to SAP Center, followed by the temporary Bar Tako pop-up. The shift to The Silk Route arrives as the surrounding blocks show renewed energy and private investment, including the recent purchase of the Old Wagon Saloon building by a group linked to an NFL player.

Local diners seeking expanded options in the heart of Downtown can look forward to this addition once the build-out finishes. The Silk Route’s arrival further diversifies the flavors available along San Pedro Street and reinforces the area’s momentum as a destination for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Source: SVBJ

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

SJC Terminal B Welcomes Vietnamese Flavors and New Nonstop Routes

Travelers through San JosƩ Mineta International Airport now have two strong new reasons to arrive early. Asian Box and Bad Egg Breakfast Bar have both opened near Gate 19 in Terminal B, giving passengers real choices that feel connected to the Bay Area rather than generic airport fare.

Asian Box, a local Vietnamese concept with deep Bay Area roots, serves made-to-order rice and noodle boxes, banh mi sandwiches, fresh salads and a full lineup of boba drinks. Breakfast options include a fried-egg banh mi on a gluten-free roll and a lemongrass pork brunch box. Orders move quickly through either a touchscreen kiosk or a friendly counter. Right next door, Bad Egg Breakfast Bar spreads out across 135 seats with all-day comfort food: chicken and waffles topped with a runny cage-free egg, breakfast grilled cheese loaded with smoked ham and Swiss, and a solid grab-and-go case for pastries and coffee. A full bar pours specialty cocktails while the bright, mural-filled space invites lingering.

The dining upgrades arrive alongside real growth in the flight schedule. Southwest Airlines will begin seasonal nonstop service to Orlando in November, aimed squarely at families headed for theme parks. Delta Air Lines adds daily nonstop flights to Austin starting in early October, expanding premium options for both business and leisure travelers. These routes join an already busy network that continues to make SJC one of the most convenient gateways in Silicon Valley.

Next time the itinerary starts or ends at SJC, give yourself a few extra minutes near Gate 19. A proper meal or a cold boba before boarding has never been easier to find.

Source: SVBJ




Thursday, July 16, 2026

(UPDATED) Bay Area Michelin Star Restaurants - 2026 Edition

Well that was a surprise. I have always been a huge fan of X, but was not expecting to get almost 100k views on yesterday's post about Bay Area Michelin Star Restaurants. It was bookmarked a thousand times, so my guess is that the list is being used as a reference or checklist. In today's update I added a checkbox column in case people want to use it for that purpose. I actually use it that way myself and in the Google doc you can see which spots I've been to.

There were also a few corrections that folks kindly sent in and I verified. SingleThread was updated to Sonoma, Mister Jiu's was updated to Chinatown, and SSAL was updated to Russian Hill. Below is a higher quality screen grab and the original version with all previous years and stats is available here.

To any new readers brought here by X, welcome!


Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Bay Area Michelin Star Restaurants - 2026 Edition

The latest Michelin Star Bay Area honorees were just announced about a few weeks ago. The Michelin guide is the most renowned rubric in the for measuring culinary success. Unfortunately, this year was uneventful. All of the new restaurants were in SF or Wine Country.

Michelin has three different star categories:
  • One Star - A very good restaurant in its category with cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard. A good place to stop on your journey.
  • Two Stars - Excellent cuisine, skillfully and carefully crafted dishes of outstanding quality. Worth a detour.
  • Three Stars - Exceptional cuisine with distinctive dishes and superlative ingredients. Worth a special journey.
"Green Stars" are for restaurants that are at the forefront of sustainable, environmental, and ethical standards.

There are also restaurants in the Michelin guide that do not get a star, but are considered "Michelin Recommended." This is already a significant honor that a very small percentage of restaurants achieve. This distinction has gotten more rare since the guide now covers all of California instead of just the Bay Area. San Jose has a total of 3 Michelin Recommended restaurants, and it's almost the same list as the past few years except Adega is inexplicably not on the list even though their more casual sister restaurant Petiscos is.

San Jose Michelin Recommended Restaurants:
  • Downtown
    • Petiscos $$ (Bib Gourmand)
  • Midtown
    • Luna Mexican Kitchen $$ (Bib Gourmand)
  • North San Jose
    • LeYou $$

I created a Google doc listing all of the star recipients for 2026, along with tabs for all previous years and some general statistics. There is no longer a physical book for California, but Michelin will update their site after new stars are awarded.

Below is an image capture from the doc. This year there were a total of 44 Bay Area restaurants that were awarded Michelin stars. 61% of the restaurants are locating in SF, 11% in Silicon Valley (5% in the South Bay, 7% in the Peninsula), 20% in Wine Country, 5% in the East Bay, and 2% in Marin. There are three new restaurants on the list for 2024 and one that closed down. 

I'm again feeling optimistic about next year with Strata and hopefully Adega, Eox & Nyx, Le Papillion, and many others will get the recognition they deserve. How did not one San Jose Vietnamese restaurant make the cut for a recommendation? There used to be several in the guide.  


Dough Zone Brings Affordable Dumplings to Campbell’s Pruneyard Shopping Center

Seattle-based Dough Zone opened its sixth Bay Area spot last month in the former Patxi’s Pizza space at 1875 S. Bascom Ave., right between Trader Joe’s and Sports Basement. The 3,167-square-foot restaurant seats guests at 21 tables and plans to hire between 10 and 20 team members.

The menu focuses on approachable favorites such as soup dumplings, pan-fried pork buns, and Dan Dan noodles, all priced to keep families and regular visitors coming back. Centralized kitchens help the chain maintain consistent quality while controlling costs across its growing footprint of 30 locations in Washington, Oregon, California, and Texas. This approach lets Dough Zone scale thoughtfully without sacrificing the care that started with its mom-and-pop beginnings in Bellevue in 2014.

Campbell’s Pruneyard offers the kind of open-air, community-driven atmosphere that suits the brand well. Strong foot traffic and a mix of shops and restaurants create natural gathering spots, and the addition brings more variety to the center’s existing Asian concepts like Asian Box, Kyoto Palace, and Marufuku Ramen. Local leaders have welcomed the arrival as a sign of confidence in the market’s ability to support both national names and its own distinct character.

Source: SVBJ



Monday, July 13, 2026

Mixue Ice Cream and Tea Debuts First Bay Area Outpost in Sunnyvale

Mixue Ice Cream and Tea just opened its first Bay Area location in Sunnyvale. The Chinese chain, which operates more than 53,000 stores worldwide and ranks as the planet’s largest fast food operation by unit count, chose a compact space inside the Shoppes at Homestead shopping center. Service began in late June, with grand opening celebrations running through this weekend.

The brand traces its roots to a single shaved ice stand founded in Zhengzhou in 1997. It grew through company-owned factories that control ingredient costs and a small-store format that keeps overhead low. Every item on the menu stays under five dollars, a notable contrast to typical Bay Area pricing for similar drinks and desserts.

Inside the Sunnyvale shop, a life-size Snow King statue anchors the space while walls display branded merchandise. Three touchscreen kiosks handle orders, and the chain’s signature jingle loops in the background. Staff focus on rapid preparation behind the counter, keeping lines moving even during peak times.

Soft serve options include vanilla at $1.59 and matcha at $1.99. Pearl milk tea and other drinks run around four dollars, with full control over sweetness and ice levels. Toppings such as boba pearls, taro balls, coconut jelly, or pudding cost just 49 cents each. The vanilla soft serve leans lighter and less sweet than many American versions, while the matcha delivers a clear grassy note.

You can visit Mixue at 1641 Hollenbeck Ave in Sunnyvale between the hours of 11am and 7pm, seven days a week. The shop is already very popular and has a four star rating on Yelp.

Source: SFGATE



Friday, July 10, 2026

Dine Downtown Restaurant Week is Live!

It's one of my favorite times of year. Dine Downtown is in full swing until July 19th. I'm going to break the traditional format a bit and highlight some of my favorite menus on the list. 

Let's start with a pre-dinner libation at Alter Ego, one of the best bars in the entire Bay Area. If you're feeling fancy, they have a unique liquid special of a martini and caviar for $20. I do wish there were some food items on here as well as their kitchen is the best of any bar I have been to.


Poppy and Claro has a $29 lunch 3-course prix fixe as well as a very reasonably $39 dinner option. You can pair that with a $19 cocktail flight ($9 for mocktails).


At the other end of the pricing spectrum you have Adega, San Jose's first and only restaurant ever to earn a Michelin Star. They have a 4-course $99 menu, which is the least expensive menu you are likely to find there all year. If that is too rich for your blood and you're craving Portuguese food, their sister restaurant Petiscos has a $55 3-course menu available.


For some traditional American steaks, Morton's has a great deal for a 3-course meal featuring a Filet Mignon. 


Last but not least, La PeƱita is featuring four specials for Restaurant Week, all smothered in delicious mole sauce. This is one of the more affordable options on the list for a full service restaurant.


Bon Appetit! šŸ§‘‍šŸ³

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Willow Glen Farmers Market Offers Fresh Finds and Community Vibes Every Saturday

San Jose residents seeking a relaxed weekend ritual have long turned to the Willow Glen Farmers Market as a neighborhood favorite. Tucked behind Willow Glen Elementary along Lincoln Avenue in Downtown Willow Glen, this market has operated for more than two decades as a steady gathering point for locals who value direct access to fresh, local goods.

Around ten certified farmers bring seasonal California produce that shifts with the calendar, from spring strawberries to autumn squash and winter citrus. Shoppers also find flowers, honey, dairy, fish, and meats from nearby producers, while more than ten prepared food vendors offer pizza, baked goods, hummus, pasta, and international options that turn browsing into a casual meal.

Live music plays each week alongside face painters and market basket raffles, while a free playground keeps kids occupied as parents explore the stalls. The intimate scale creates a calmer experience than larger regional markets, with regulars chatting directly with vendors in an atmosphere that feels like an extension of the surrounding community.

The market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine, with free parking at the school and easy connections to nearby coffee shops and shops along Lincoln Avenue. It accepts EBT with market match incentives and welcomes a range of nutrition programs, making quality local food accessible to more households.

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Johnny Doughnuts Opens Fifth Location at Santana Row

San Jose gains another appealing option for handcrafted treats as Johnny Doughnuts marks its official opening at Santana Row today. The San Rafael brand brings its fifth brick-and-mortar spot to the Park Valencia area, right near Maggiano’s Little Italy, after a successful soft opening period.

The compact shop spans slightly less than 600 square feet and has already created 16 new jobs in the area. Designed by California interior designer Julie Babin, the space features a simple menu of doughnuts and coffee with a nostalgic touch that fits the vibrant shopping and dining destination.

Founder Craig Blum selected the site for its energy and appeal within one of the Bay Area's lively spots. The smaller footprint drew inspiration from the company's early food truck days, allowing streamlined operations while still delivering quality to guests. Longtime clients from the tech sector, including Apple as an early supporter, now have easier access to the brand's offerings.

Response during the soft opening proved strong, with clear demand for thoughtfully made doughnuts. The company manages the distance from its North Bay base through its operations team and fleet. A sixth location in Napa stands next in line, with further growth eyed for the Peninsula, East Bay, and Southern California.

Source: SVBJ

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Vallarta Supermarkets to Open Larger Store at The Plant Shopping Center in San Jose

San Jose will soon welcome a new grocery destination as Vallarta Supermarkets prepares to open in the former Toys "R" Us space at The Plant shopping center. The nearly 60,000 square foot location will exceed the chain's usual store size and will bring approximately 150 new jobs to the area with its mid to late November opening. The center already draws crowds for Target, Home Depot, and Ulta Beauty, and this addition will turn the hub into an even stronger one-stop destination for household needs.

The family-owned chain began as a Mexican meat market back in 1985 and has directed its growth northward from a Southern California foundation in recent years. Officials signed the lease for the San Jose site about a year ago after evaluating options. They have pointed to the central position, straightforward access, and ample parking as factors that made the location stand out, particularly with other major retailers already on site to form a full shopping stop.

Company leadership has built the brand around quality, cleanliness, and service that reflect what they would choose for their own families and communities. The additional space in this store will support a wider array of fresh items while preserving those core standards throughout. Leaders have also shared hopes of opening further stores in San Jose, noting the city offers the scale and vitality to sustain more than one Vallarta location.

This development will deliver expanded grocery options along with new employment opportunities in a thriving section of the city. Shoppers seeking quality fresh goods and reliable service will gain a convenient new choice within a well-established retail environment. The opening reflects San Jose's ongoing ability to draw in regional businesses that see value in investing here and serving local residents.

Source: SVBJ

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

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