November 8, 2005

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

How often do you come to downtown Campbell? What draws you here and what needs to be improved to get you to come more often?
(Asked on Campbell Avenue in front of Stacks)

“I don’t come here too often because it’s too long of a drive from downtown San Jose. I really like the restaurants and bars. I think [creating] easier access from downtown San Jose, because it’s kind of secluded now.”

Hanlan Smith, 22
San Jose
Computer software


“I come down once every couple of weeks but it varies. The best thing about downtown Campbell is the Oktoberfest and the Farmers’ Market. I enjoy going to Stacks, Katie O’Briens, Mio Viccino and the other Italian restaurant. Parking is pretty good [compared with other downtowns] and I like to come here. It’s pretty and I’m satisfied with it.”

Sarah Faso, 22
Campbell
Office Administrator


“I’m here about once a week. The biggest draws for me are the restaurants: Stacks, Katie O’Briens, the Italian restaurants and the new Ethiopian Restaurant. I also get my hair cut down here. I like it because it doesn’t feel like a big city. It has local shops and a nice feel without chain stores. I think whatever they [the downtown merchants] are doing is great, but they could add more restaurants.”

Jonathan Jackson, 24
Campbell
Software engineer


“I don’t like to come to downtown Campbell because there’s no attractions except for Stacks. The only way to improve it is to open another Stacks across the street. Downtown Campbell needs more cafes. They should check out Willow Glen if they want to get more pedestrians traffic. They need more commercial street level action.”

Joel Sheps, 26
San Jose / Sales


“I used to come down here more often. I like to go to the Sonoma Chicken Coop or to Stacks. I’ve been coming here for years. I used to bring my grandmother here to look at the little antique and used clothing shops. But those little shops are not necessarily a draw to the area; they aren’t a detraction, but they are not a draw. I think a movie theater would bring more people downtown, especially at night.”

Taji Saffarian, 33
Willow Glen
In transition


“I come down here a couple of times a week. I use the Los Gatos Creek trail, the library, visit the bars and go to Stacks. I also like the Farmers’ Market. I think the light rail coming through here will bring in more people. It will be even nicer when it’s extended to Los Gatos. I think they need better restaurants for dinner. Stacks is good for breakfast. During the day the streets are crowded and lots of people come here. At night, though, it’s pretty quiet.”

Kathleen Kammerer, 24
Campbell
Student at San Jose State


“I come down here maybe three times a month to the Farmers’ Market, the Kingshead Pub and occasionally to shop. I especially enjoy the proximity and the ambience and the Oktoberfest and Boogie on the Bayou are fun. I would like to see the area get a few more places to eat so we don’t have to wait so long.”

Alex Kammerer, 52
San Jose
Construction


“I come here a lot, mostly for the food. I’m a big fan the Ethiopian restaurant, Stacks and the Farmers’ Market. I think downtown Campbell has quite a bit of character. It’s got nice little coffee shops that are not Starbucks and a great Vietnamese sandwich place about a block from here. I can’t think of anything that needs to be improved. The parking here is good, that’s a good thing too.”

David Parpart, 27
Japantown in San Jose
Chiropractic student and waiter