Bloom Eatery Expanding to Downtown San Jose
Popular Santa Clara brunch spot Bloom Eatery is opening a second location in downtown San Jose. The new restaurant will be at 225 W. Santa Clara St., as founder Reza Manion looks to capitalize on growing demand in the city's core. The expansion aims to bring the eatery's well-known menu to a broader South Bay audience.
Founder Reza Manion is a Santa Clara native who grew up in the restaurant industry; his family owns the local favorite Sara's Kitchen. He opened the original Bloom Eatery on Saratoga Avenue in November 2020, navigating the challenges of the pandemic just three weeks after opening for outdoor service. The Santa Clara location, formerly a Golden Mushroom Pizza, required a massive remodel including all-new plumbing and electrical systems to be brought up to code after 40 years. Despite the hurdles, it quickly cultivated a loyal following, with weekend waits that can exceed an hour. Bloom is known for its modern take on American brunch classics, using local and high-quality ingredients. Signature dishes that draw crowds include the Croissant French Toast, and the Chicken & Waffles, which notably uses chicken thighs instead of breast for extra flavor. The new 4,000-square-foot downtown San Jose restaurant will occupy the space that was formerly a location for the Greek restaurant Opa!. Manion was drawn to the specific location due to its natural light and a perceived lack of direct brunch competition in the immediate vicinity. Initially, Manion considered expanding to smaller towns like Campbell or Los Gatos. However, he ultimately chose downtown San Jose, expressing a desire to contribute to the area's growth and revitalization, undeterred by potential challenges like parking.
