What will become of the “old” Foodville location?

October 15, 2008

OK, San Carlos neighbors…I need your input on this!     Now that we know the new Foodville/Bianchini's will be located here…

…what do you think should happen with the old Foodville location?

When Bianchini's moves to the old Bell Market building, it will be leaving behind a prime spot on the red-hot north end of Laurel –>.  What do you think will take it's place?   Retail?  Grocery?  Another restaurant?  How about (another) organic yogurt store?  Yikes…

Let me know your suggestions by leaving a comment below….if we get enough, we'll put it up for vote on the next blog poll.

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18 Comments

  1. Ray on October 15, 2008 at 2:21 pm

    San Carlos needs a good Brew Pub with live music.



  2. chuck on October 15, 2008 at 2:33 pm

    That’s an outstanding suggestion! Great location for it, too…

    CG



  3. Codios on October 16, 2008 at 12:34 pm

    I think it would be nice if Pacific Bicycles came back to the Peninsula. They lost the lease on their space in Redwood City about a year ago (in the Target Shopping Center on El Camino) and a while back I heard they were interested in re-establishing a Peninsula presence. Their closest store now is in Mountain View.



  4. chuck on October 16, 2008 at 1:46 pm

    That’s another great idea. San Carlos could definitely use a bike shop. I wrote in an earlier post that the current vacant location at the old Siskin’s Pharmacy store across from the “new” Foodville location would be an ideal spot for a bike store. The south side of the building is all windows, and has additional parking. But with either location, I think there are enough cyclists (myself included) that would support a good bike store downtown.



  5. chuck on October 16, 2008 at 1:51 pm

    Here’s an idea that was emailed in:

    “I think a Fresh and Easy store should go in. It is Tesco’s new US chain promoting local produce and competitive prices. I think it is a good addition to the mix of Bianchini’s and Trader Joes.”



  6. JJ on October 16, 2008 at 4:04 pm

    San Carlos needs a decent, inexpensive place for a quick meal. Plutos would be great, but I would not hold my breath – not enough steady foot traffic. Along the same lines, a brewpub would also be a good idea.

    Even better – a place that would combine the space of Foodville & the ugly, boring Boloungerie next door.



  7. chuck on October 16, 2008 at 8:49 pm

    JJ,

    Good call — We discovered Pluto’s up in Davis while at a soccer tournament. They make great salads and sandwiches. I actually think the north part of Laurel would generate enough foot traffic for a place like this. It definitely wouldn’t fly on the south end…

    Thanks for your comments.



  8. SR on October 18, 2008 at 3:51 am

    The old Foodville spot would be a great spot for a local microbrewery currently located in an industrial park in Belmont, Devils Canyon Brewery. They are family-owned, have great Friday beer nights, and could add food-service to their great selection of microbrews.



  9. Jonquil on October 19, 2008 at 5:23 pm

    Another Kebab place. WHY do we need so many kebab places? Mediterranean is not the only cuisine, people!!!

    My dream would be a Vietnamese place to replace the sorely-missed Sai’s.



  10. Betty on November 5, 2008 at 9:37 pm

    Bookstore?



  11. chuck on November 5, 2008 at 11:00 pm

    Betty,

    Great idea — it’s now part of the poll.

    Chuck



  12. Jenny Sands on November 11, 2008 at 3:26 am

    I love the bookstore or Brew Pub with live music ideas….hopefully something family owned too.



  13. tr on March 17, 2009 at 5:17 am

    I like the Plutos idea. We need more casual, affordable, no-waiter-needed, healthy eating options downtown!



  14. Chuck on March 17, 2009 at 11:13 am

    I still hope so too – Pluto’s is a great place. But with the Wheeler Plaza plans coming into the picture, I think that will have a big impact on what ultimately happens (and when) with this location.



  15. Robert on April 14, 2009 at 6:37 pm

    Work with J & M Hobby or something similar… I think we need a good toy/hobby shop to compete with the chains and box-stores.

    Just THINK of the model-railroad layout that could be built in there !!



  16. Chuck on April 14, 2009 at 9:36 pm

    Now THAT’S a great idea. A 7,000 square foot hobby shop downtown would be outstanding!

    Thanks for the idea,

    CG



  17. Kathleen on July 13, 2010 at 4:52 am

    Hi. Just tuning in late to this discussion. What are the Wheeler Plaza plans? I assume this is the parking lot behind the old Foodville? Have any decisions been made? I really like the micro brew pub idea!



  18. Chuck Gillooley on July 14, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    Kathleen,

    You are correct — it’s the parking lot area (and some of the actual buildings) that is adjacent to the old Foodville location and behinds Wells Fargo.

    The City is still gathering feedback from the community on potential design alternatives — look for a notice on upcoming meetings on this topic. Bear in mind that this is only in the “feasibility” stage. The City of San Carlos has not approved any construction yet of Wheeler Plaza.

    Thanks for your post.



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