Longtime San Jose State hangout starts a new chapter with new owner

"“I've helped create three worker-owned cooperatives, and I wanted to show that a different model is possible,” Hobbs said before a grand reopening ceremony Wednesday. “That's really important because we know that there's growing inequality, especially in Silicon Valley, but everywhere. And this is an example where the workers will make all the decisions democratically and share in the profits.”"

"“I think it's a model that has a lot of potential. I'm excited to see them trying out that model here,” he said. Tordillos said keeping small businesses open, especially longstanding institutions like Peanuts, is critical to maintaining street life and making downtown attractive for everyone."

"Hobbs said he also wants San Jose State's 40,000 students, as well as the surrounding community, to rediscover Peanuts, which first opened in 1964, as a go-to venue. It had long been a breakfast-and-lunch joint, but Hobbs expanded the hours Thursdays through Sundays and added a dinner menu with fish and chips, chicken and steak."

"There are also different events on Friday nights, with monthly game nights, jazz performances, a meeting of the Solidarity and Unity Network and a program called “Dinner and Dialogue: St"

Peanuts Deluxe Cafe in San Jose was taken over in October by Richard Hobbs, who previously helped create worker-owned cooperatives. He plans to transform the restaurant into a worker-owned model so workers make decisions democratically and share profits. The change is supported by San Jose City Councilmember Anthony Tordillos, who views worker ownership as promising for keeping small businesses open and sustaining downtown street life. Hobbs also aims to bring San Jose State’s 40,000 students and the surrounding community back to the restaurant. He has updated decor and the menu, expanded hours Thursday through Sunday, and added dinner options. Friday nights include game nights, jazz performances, and community events such as Solidarity and Unity Network meetings and “Dinner and Dialogue.”

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