A new barbecue spot arrives in San Jose in a few days, carrying forward a local tradition with Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli. The restaurant takes over the former Armadillo Willy's space at 878 Blossom Hill Road, with a planned opening on November 20. This marks the second outpost for the concept, following a successful launch in Sunnyvale just over two months ago.
San Jose has issued 933 business tax certificates to restaurants, street food vendors, cafes and bakeries since 2022, thanks in part to the city's improved permitting process. District 3 - downtown - has seen the greatest number of openings, with 231 new food establishments. District 7 has also seen major growth, with 146 businesses, followed by District 5 with 112 businesses and District 6 with 105 businesses. The majority of openings have happened in neighborhoods including Little Saigon, Calle Willow, Alum Rock, Willow Glen, Japantown,