San Jose Scores a Ramen Win with Tsujita Artisan Noodle

San Jose’s culinary map expanded on June 21 with the opening of Tsujita Artisan Noodle at 4330 Moorpark Ave. This Tokyo-founded ramen chain, already a hit in Southern California, Houston, and New Jersey, is planting its first Northern California flag right here. For ramen fans and curious food lovers, this is a chance to dive into something fresh and authentic without leaving the city.

Tsujita is known for its signature tsukemen, a Japanese dipping noodle dish featuring chilled noodles paired with a rich, thick broth. The menu, still taking shape, will also include tonkotsu ramen and a vegan option to welcome a wider crowd. The team wants to introduce Silicon Valley to the art of dipping-style noodles, a style less familiar in these parts but packed with flavor and tradition.

The location near Mitsuwa Marketplace and other Japanese shops feels like a natural fit. It’s a convenient stop for shoppers, office workers, or anyone craving a quick, quality meal. Open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., plus weekends from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the space offers six tables and a dozen or so bar chairs for a cozy vibe.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose’s Burbank Theater: A Fresh Start for a Historic Gem

The Burbank Theater at 560 South Bascom Ave., shuttered since 2019, could soon transform from a forgotten relic into a lively hub of medical offices, retail, and community space. TJR Development’s plan keeps the theater’s iconic exterior intact while breathing new purpose into its walls.

A new second floor inside the theater would house medical outpatient offices, a cafeteria, and seating areas, making smart use of the existing structure. Retail spaces along South Bascom and Basile avenues would get a refresh, inviting foot traffic and local energy. Perhaps most exciting, the lobby would become a community activity center, a place where neighbors can gather, connect. 

Location plays a big role here. Just three blocks from Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, the theater’s redevelopment could dovetail perfectly with the area’s healthcare needs. After years of challenges, including a lawsuit and foreclosure, this proposal offers a hopeful shift. The new owners, tied to Milpitas executives Fred Meyer and Hung Tran, bought the property for $1.6 million in January, signaling confidence in San Jose’s potential. It’s a chance to turn a site of blight into a cornerstone of the neighborhood.

If the plan moves forward, it could set the stage for more projects that blend preservation with progress across the city. From its days as a movie house to its time as a dance studio, this place has stories to tell, and now it’s ready for its next chapter.

Source: The Mercury News

PG&E Upgrades to Boost Downtown Development

PG&E is rolling out major upgrades to two vital substations in Downtown San Jose: Substation A near Diridon Station and Substation B on Coleman Avenue. These improvements are set to meet the rising energy demands from a wave of tech, housing, and commercial projects that are transforming the city. 

The work at Substation A is especially exciting. Located right by Diridon Station, this upgrade will power game-changing initiatives like the Net Zero Initiative, which focuses on energy efficiency, as well as new rail expansions like BART and electrified Caltrain service. It will also support the shift toward electric homes and vehicles. Perhaps most thrilling is its role in Google’s transit village, a massive mixed-use project near Diridon that will bring homes, offices, shops, and cultural spaces to Downtown San Jose. Meanwhile, Substation B’s enhancements will unlock about 1,000 megawatts of additional capacity, paving the way for new data centers and more power for the city’s growing needs.

These upgrades mean more than just better electricity—they’re a launchpad for San Jose’s economic rise. With a stronger grid, the city can welcome bold projects like Jay Paul Co.’s redevelopment of City View Plaza, a new neighborhood blending homes, offices, and retail in the heart of Downtown. Reliable energy could even help keep rates in check, making San Jose a more appealing place for businesses and residents alike. 

Source: The Mercury News

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

Farmers Markets in San Jose

Our friends at SJ Today have a handy guide for Farmers Markets in the San Jose metro, a whopping 13 of them. From Evergreen, to Willow Glen, to Alum Rock, and even to surrounding cities, this is a pretty comprehensive list. Have a look in the source link below.

Source: SJ Today

Ellore Luxury Senior Living Adds Onsite Wellness Program

Santa Clara has welcomed an exciting new development with Ellore, a luxury senior living community in The Clara District. Developed by Related California and operated by Oakmont Management Group, Ellore recently opened its doors across from Levi’s Stadium, offering 176 upscale residences. What sets this community apart is its Wellness by Ellore program, a comprehensive healthcare initiative that brings top-tier medical services right to residents.

The Wellness by Ellore program stands out with its Five Pillars of Elevated Care: Medical Advisement, Concierge Medicine, Ellore Med, Ellore Balance, and Traditions Memory Care. Residents enjoy personalized healthcare from day one, with assessments covering medical needs, therapy, and nutrition. Dr. Mahyar Ayati, a Stanford Affiliate with expertise in geriatric health, leads the medical advisement, while a partnership with Pine Park Health provides onsite primary care and specialists like dentists and optometrists. Physical therapy and memory care round out the offerings, ensuring residents can live with ease and confidence.

Beyond healthcare, Ellore delivers a lifestyle that matches the Bay Area’s reputation for excellence. The 20-story building, designed by Steinberg Hart with interiors by March and White Design, features stunning views of Santa Clara’s salt ponds, foothills, and Levi’s Stadium. Residents can choose independent living, assisted living, or memory care, all paired with amenities like gourmet dining at The Summit Room and a calendar full of social events. The fourth floor’s dedicated wellness suites make accessing care seamless, blending luxury with practicality. It also features one of only two penthouse swimming pools in Silicon Valley high-rises (the other is at The Fay in Downtown San Jose).

Ellore’s arrival highlights why the San Jose metro continues to grow as a standout destination. Its prime location in The Clara District puts residents near dining, parks, and transit, all while offering a fresh take on senior living that prioritizes wellness and community. For those exploring options for themselves or loved ones, Ellore showcases the high standards and forward-looking developments that define our region.

Luxury Takes Flight: A New Boutique Hotel at SJC!

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) could soon become home to a boutique hotel, a development poised to elevate San Jose’s hospitality game. With plans to transform some of the airport’s surface parking into a luxurious retreat, this project aims to cater to upscale travelers, including those jetting in on private planes or chartered flights. 

The concept is straightforward yet exciting: SJC would lease the land to a private developer tasked with building a hotel that stands out from the crowd. Planners see this as a chance to fill a gap in San Jose’s offerings, where high-end, 5-star-adjacent accommodations are scarce. Unlike the typical hotels near the airport, this boutique property would offer a unique experience, appealing to discerning visitors who value exclusivity and style.

The hotel promises a standout experience with private meeting rooms and a rooftop pool. It would sit across from Terminal B, just south of the rental car center, on a 75,000-square-foot plot with room to grow. Developers could even double that footprint, though the project is capped at seven stories due to FAA rules and 300 rooms by city limits. 

Beyond the allure of luxury, the hotel holds big potential for San Jose. It could draw high-spending visitors who boost local shops, restaurants, and attractions, especially in Downtown San Jose. While the timeline isn’t set, the possibility of this addition keeps the excitement alive. SJC deserves a standout feature like this.

Source: SVBJ

Tequila and Tacos: A San Jose Summer Party

This Saturday, June 28th, 55 South in Downtown San Jose will host the Tequila Barrel Pick BBQ Party, a collaboration between MACBBQ and the 55/110 private bottle club. This event celebrates the release of an exclusive Corazon Reposado Tequila, aged 22 months in a Stagg Bourbon barrel, paired with some of the best BBQ and tacos the city has to offer. From noon to 5pm, dive into a day packed with bold flavors, live music, and community vibes.

The star of the show is the Corazon Reposado Tequila, hand-picked by MACBBQ and 55/110 for its standout profile. Aged in a Stagg Bourbon barrel, this tequila brings fruity and floral notes upfront, followed by layers of honey, caramel, pineapple, and tropical fruit. It finishes with a subtle touch of slate and black pepper, offering a bright yet rich sip that bourbon and tequila fans will appreciate. Guests can taste this unique release and even grab bottles to take home, priced at $50, alongside a Sazerac Blanton’s pick for $100.

Food takes center stage with MACBBQ and Cajetas joining forces for a Mexican-inspired BBQ spread. Think smoked brisket, pork, and chicken thighs tucked into handmade serrano/jalapeño yellow corn tortillas, topped with a custom salsa made just for this event. VIP ticket holders get early entry at noon and exclusive bites like cold smoked oysters and langostino tostadas, adding a gourmet twist. Paleta Planeta’s desserts and Phin Bar’s coffee drinks round out the menu, ensuring every craving is covered.

Live DJs Scotty Fox and Jay Biz will keep the energy flowing at 55 South, a Downtown San Jose staple known for its whiskey culture and top-notch cocktails. Exclusive giveaways throughout the day add a fun surprise element. With general admission at $50 starting at 1pm and VIP at $75, tickets include seven food and drink vouchers for tacos, desserts, and coffee. The full bar will be open for additional purchases, making this a perfect way to spend a summer Saturday.

Tickets are limited, so acting fast is key. Head to Eventbrite to secure your spot for this standout celebration of San Jose’s food, drink, and community spirit. Whether you’re a tequila aficionado, a BBQ lover, or just looking for a great time, this event delivers it all in the heart of Downtown.

Garden's Gate Cafe: A Fresh Addition to San Jose’s Culinary Landscape

San Jose welcomes a delightful new spot with the opening of Garden's Gate Cafe at 1530 Southwest Expressway. Leading this venture is Elizabeth Rivera, a San Jose native and San Jose State University alum, who brings her love for food and community to her second restaurant. Following the success of The Breeze Cafe in Newark, Elizabeth envisioned Garden's Gate as a cozy haven where fresh meals and friendly service create lasting connections. Open daily from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, this cafe promises to become a cherished part of North Willow Glen.

The menu shines with breakfast and brunch favorites that celebrate quality and flavor. Diners can enjoy fluffy buttermilk pancakes crowned with fresh berries, savory omelets packed with locally sourced ingredients, or hearty sandwiches paired with artisan coffee or tea. The garden-inspired decor enhances the experience, offering a warm and inviting space that feels both refreshing and familiar. Elizabeth’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients reflects her dedication to building something meaningful for San Jose, one delicious dish at a time.

The grand opening celebration tomorrow was just last week. Snap a photo, share your experience with #GardensGateSJ on Instagram, and help spread the word about this gem in San Jose’s evolving culinary scene. They are already getting rave reviews on Yelp.

San Jose Pushes for More Homes

City leaders recently greenlit over $10 million in tax and fee waivers for two major housing projects, proving that San Jose is serious about getting more homes built. With high interest rates and rising costs slowing construction across the Bay Area, this incentive program is a lifeline for developers and a big win for residents eager for more housing options.

The two projects cashing in on these perks are the Coyote Creek Urban Village at 2620 Seely Avenue and Federal Realty’s development at 358 Hatton Street near Santana Row. Together, they’re saving developers more than $10 million, with Coyote Creek slashing over $6 million and Federal Realty pocketing nearly $4.5 million in savings. This will move forward a projected 1,278 new units, including 64 affordable ones, bringing much-needed homes to both market-rate buyers and lower-income families.

The city’s incentive program offers a 50% cut in taxes and fees for projects that lock in permits by the end of this year, with a second phase kicking in 2026 offering a 25% reduction. It’s a practical approach that’s already jumpstarted other developments, like The Hanover Co.’s 345-unit project and The Aquino apartment building in Downtown San Jose. With only 2,700 permits issued last year against a state goal of 62,200 new units by 2031.

Source: The Mercury News