The Garlic City Cafe has opened its doors this Monday, making it
the first deli in Gilroy.
The Garlic City Cafe has opened its doors this Monday, making it the first deli in Gilroy.
Although the deli won’t be having its grand opening until June 19 at 5 p.m., the small cafe located on 7461 Monterey Street, between Sixth and Seventh streets has opened for business and according to executive chef Socrates Diego, everything has been going well so far.
“It’s going pretty good,” said Diego. “Word of mouth is working right now.”
Diego, who has been the executive chef for the Morgan Hill restaurant The Golden Oak, said he decided to open this new business because he wanted to make sure he satisfied his customers.
“It’s the perfect spot for me to start,” he said. “It’s small. You can talk to customers, get to know people. I just want to make people happy.”
Diego said he will also take suggestions on the menu and will give customers a chance to custom order their meal during breakfast hours. While their specialty will be the garlic cream soup, the deli also offers its clientele the option of freshly made sandwiches, salads and paninis.
“Everything is fresh and made from scratch,” guaranteed Diego.
Meals will also be available for take-out throughout the time the deli is open, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
The Garlic City Cafe has tables available inside and outside, giving customers a chance to enjoy the downtown surroundings while enjoying their meal. Mayor Al Pinheiro, who has visited and eaten at the cafe and has been a supporter of a downtown revitalization, thinks the business will add something new to the community.
“The heart of the community is downtown,” said Pinheiro. “We want to make sure we keep the culture and make sure there’s new life, new buildings, new energy.”
Its new found clientele also expressed nothing but praise for the new deli, commenting on its food and service.
“It’s excellent,” said customer Jack Maguire. “I think the quantity of food was great and [they had] great service.”
“They deserve to have success,” said customer Rosalie Von Forstneyer. “It’s very pleasant in here. I hope it works for them.”
