Some big names have recently closed their doors in downtown San Jose, but there’s an optimistic buzz building in San Pedro Square with new restaurants moving into some of the empty spaces.
Olla Cocina closed last year, Sushi Confidential closed weeks ago, and San Pedro Social is also shuttering.
But as some doors close, others are opening. Ignite recently soft opened in the former Sushi Confidential space within a matter of weeks. Its grand opening is expected in the weeks ahead.
“We have this idea of bringing everyone together to come sit, connect and celebrate,” Ignite owner Hima Adusumilli said.
The Silk Route is taking over the former Olla Cocina space, bringing upscale, modern Indian cuisine to downtown this fall. Owner Jaspir Singh, who also owns bar and restaurant The Brit down the block, said the crowds coming off the World Cup made the decision pretty easy.
“We wanted to be here so we just decided. It went so quick, and now we are here,” he said.
Those tracking downtown business said the turnover doesn’t tell the whole story.
“This is a sign of the incredible work that has gone into recreating what downtown was and is today and representative of the level of positivity and support that people have for the downtown community,” San Jose Downtown Association CEO Brian Kurtz said.
Kurtz said local entrepreneurs are still pumping money into the area. That means new jobs, new services and, hopefully, more reasons to come to downtown.
“We continue to see incredible investments by local San Joseans who are making intentional decisions to support their local economy, to hire local, and to bring a level of services of goods of qualities to downtown,” Kurtz said.