There’s a new buzz and excitement going around downtown Gilroy these days. Several new businesses have either recently opened or will open in the very near future alongside businesses who are expanding their offerings.
New this past spring, Greenhouse Coworking opened on 7500 Monterey St. providing office space, desks, video equipment and meeting rooms for freelancers, individual contractors, students or start-ups looking for a work space with strong Wi-Fi access. Raul Ceja, community coordinator for the company, stated, “Business has been good. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and members can access their reserved spaces on a 24/7 basis.”
Bartenders Union, offering a full-bar, 20 beers and four wines on draft, is the latest project of Dustin Evanger, who formerly owned The Hill Bar & Grill in Morgan Hill. Evanger runs the business with four silent partners explained.
“As former bartenders, we wanted to create a place that we would like to go to and hang out,” Evanger said. It’s a place for everybody; older, younger and everything in between.” The new bar has pool tables, dart boards and a juke box. Although food is not available for sale, patrons can bring in their own food or have it delivered. Not to miss is the wall filled with “Union Rules,” a humorous list of do’s and don’ts for guests.
By mid-September, Golden State Brewery, owned by Seth Hendrickson and Kirill Egorov, will open at 7560 Monterey St. For the first phase of the project, a parklet patio, extending onto the sidewalk, will seat 42 guests. Seth’s wife and taproom manager, Stephanie Hendrickson, will offer 20 styles of beer on tap, along with local and international wines. Chef Michelle “Mish” Goulart, who has “known Hendrickson since 7th grade,” is creating a menu of sandwiches, charcuterie and cheese boards and garlic-influenced dishes. Next April, when the second phase of construction is completed, the brewery will expand to seat 350 people, inside and out.
Station 55 has been reinvented with a new owner, Jerry Guizar. Billed as Mariscos (seafood) & Cantina, it has an extensive menu, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Entrees include everything from omelettes, combination plates of traditional fare to oysters, shrimp, and steaks.
Art-lovers will be glad to know that Moya Art Gallery and Studio has opened – located on 7516 Eigleberry. Owned by Ignacio (Nacho) Moya, the art gallery has a collection of Moya’s work including portraits, abstracts and murals in pen, pencil and oil. Moya has done the mural work at newly remodeled Station 55 restaurant. “We offer paint parties for private parties of up to 15 people,” said Moya. “We’re open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.”
Lynn Mosley, owner of the newly opened Itty Bitty Beauty Boutique, at 20 Martin St., has a new line of clothing, accessories, skin care products and make-up that pair well with winery events. Mosley has received a fresh order of designer jeans, along with tops and jewelry to complement them.
“Our clothing is the perfect look for a wine-tasting afternoon – flattering on all shapes and sizes from small to extra-large.” Wine-colored eye shadows, lipsticks and blush complete the look. The heavenly, dessert-scented Farm House Fresh skincare products contain all-natural ingredients and include a “Wine-Down” facial serum.
Tacos Del Guero, located at the old Garlic City Casino, opened last month. Jose Hernandez brings his Guadalajaran style of cooking serving up authentic Mexican tacos made with beef, chicken, beef tongue, sausage or roasted sheep head. Hernandez makes everything from scratch including his tortillas and salsas.
And finally, Bella Viva Wine Bar, 7423 Monterey St., in addition to a wide selection of wines, now serves wood-fired pizzas and salads. Jordan Nunez, their friendly and knowledgeable sommelier will recommend the perfect wine flight to accompany a dinner of watermelon salad served alongside the goat cheese and prosciutto pizza. Also new at Bella Viva is the free corkage for local wines on Monday nights.
New Downtown Businesses Booming
