Multiple San Pedro Square restaurant owners said the blocked-off street for outdoor dining improved business and the road should remain closed after pandemic restrictions end.
David Ezzo, manager of the Mexican restaurant Olla Cocina in San Pedro Square, said he was excited to reopen April 19 and have the outdoor seating available.
“It’s nice to have the street closed because people want to have a nice place where they can enjoy food and music,” Ezzo said. “Plus it looks good as it brings a lovely environment.”
San Pedro Square is located on Santa Clara and West Saint John streets, which were closed to traffic last spring to allow for outdoor dining.
Ezzo, along with other restaurant owners, is allowed to expand his dining services to streets and sidewalks under the City of San Jose’s Al Fresco Initiative.
The initiative was created by city councilmembers in May 2020 and allows restaurant owners to use private and public property for dining to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
The initiative was set to expire March 31, but councilmembers unanimously voted to extend the initiative to Dec. 31 during their March 30 meeting.
Alex Guilliano, director of food and beverage at downtown’s Sushi Confidential, said the street closure helped the business immensely by providing additional seating space.
"With more seating availability we have more people coming in which is helpful especially in the night time and is great for our business," Guilliano said.
He said he’s happy for the outdoor dining extension because it makes business in San Pedro Square more inviting.
“There is a lively atmosphere with no cars. There are less accidents, less motorcycle sounds and it keeps the street calm,” Guilliano said.
Jeff Worrell, assistant manager at The Farmers Union restaurant, said the street closure has significantly improved business.
“Without the closure we could only seat a maximum of 10 tables but with this we have more availability,” Worrell said.
He wants the city to keep San Pedro Street closed even after the Dec. 31 deadline.
“By keeping [the square] closed it will create more nightlife and a daylife where people feel comfortable,” Worrell said.
Cars can only currently enter the area around the square through the nearby parking garage on Market Street.
“I don’t think [having one entrance] will be a problem because the parking lot usually only gets about 75% full and getting in isn’t an issue,” Guilliano said. “It may possibly only be inconvenient getting out.”
Worrell also agrees one entrance wouldn’t be a huge issue.
“I understand the concern because in the future we will see more people once the pandemic is gone, with the Shark games and other entertainment, but there is always room for more parking garages,” Worrell said.
Guilliano said although there’s more work when it comes to upkeeping the streets, businesses can still thrive.
“As long as the street is kept clean and decorated this will allow people to feel safe, invited and all of the businesses here to keep flourishing,” Guilliano said.
