SAN JOSE—Combining the area's passion for food and the appeal of a new experience, many commercial owners are shaping the two concepts into one big package. And, in an area where the wow factor has to be off the charts to faze a tech type, these restaurants are aiming for uniqueness and then some.

“We're finding that people will venture anywhere in search of destination dining, so it makes sense to partner with dining concepts that have broad appeal and will compel visitors beyond the apartment community to come and experience,” Dave Moore, president of Irvine Company Retail Properties, tells GlobeSt.com.

Where once the sound of colliding billiard balls was heard, a new concept in cuisine, brewing and art is emerging, with a pop-up attitude, GlobeSt.com learns. Occupying the former South First Billiards space on South First Street, Forager Tasting Room and Eatery recently opened as an emerging incubator kitchen and brewery, with regular musical performances and art exhibits. The plans call for multiple kitchens and seven micro-restaurants. In addition, Devout Coffee is already open and providing local craft beer, small plates and obviously coffee, accord to the San Jose Office of Economic Development.

Some of the projects have combined retail, dining and entertainment in tenant mixes. Juerga Tapas and Wine, a Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant, has opened its first location at Crescent Village Apartment Homes, located at 3250 Zanker Rd. The vintage atmosphere is unique in that all furniture and decor was made by hand.

In addition, Irvine Company provides shopping, dining, fitness and services in four of its apartment communities, including Monticello Apartment Homes in Santa Clara, Crescent Village in San Jose, River View Apartment Homes in San Jose, and Franklin Street in Redwood City. Irvine Company has recently welcomed several retailers to its collection of stores and restaurants, including Whole Foods Market, Il Fornaio, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, CorePower Yoga, Sur La Table, Pokéworks and Stanford Health Care Express Care Clinic.

Irvine Company retail properties' portfolio features 43 shopping centers in coastal California including two neighborhood and community centers in Northern California: Cherry Orchard Shopping Center in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara Square Marketplace in Santa Clara.

Instant Insights /

Tech Attracts Destination Dining and Cuisine Concepts

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