Downtown Gilroy’s new Gourmet Alley, designed to be a pedestrian friendly corridor, officially opened to the public on Nov. 8.
City officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony in the morning, and resumed the celebration in the evening with the Downtown Business Expo on Gourmet Alley between Fifth and Sixth streets. Downtown businesses—including Savvy’s Ice Cream shop, Cafe 152, the Barber Academy, Covale and Bub’s Comic Shop—set up booths to offer free giveaways to attendees.
Local performers including Gilroy-based Mariachi Mexico provided entertainment.
“We’re thrilled to unveil the completed Gourmet Alley Project, a vital enhancement that brings pedestrian-only space and new life to the heart of our downtown,” Mayor Marie Blankley said in a statement. “This project is a testament to our city’s commitment to creating safe, welcoming spaces where residents and visitors can connect, relax, and enjoy all that Gilroy has to offer.
“We’re grateful for the support of our community and our partners as we celebrate this milestone together. Gourmet Alley will serve as a beautiful, functional space that supports our local businesses and strengthens the fabric of our community.”
The ribbon cutting and business expo were organized by the City of Gilroy along with the Gilroy Downtown Business Association, Visit Gilroy, and the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce.
The Gourmet Alley project, funded through a Clean California Grant from the California Department of Transportation, is part of the city’s broader commitment to revitalizing public spaces and enhancing the downtown Gilroy experience, says a press release from the city.
Key improvements include upgraded pedestrian pathways, enhanced lighting for increased safety, beautified landscaping, resurfaced parking and new shared trash enclosures—all aiming to create a welcoming space for outdoor dining, entertainment, and community events.
