The year 2025 brought a captivating array of stories to Silicon Valley’s Biz Beat, showcasing a diverse mix of innovative businesses alongside its traditional focus on restaurants and food. The year began with the culinary offerings at Santana Row’s Fitoor, where Indian dishes were presented with a unique flair inspired by the chef’s cruise ship experience. It concluded with the revival of Charlie Rose Baseball, which creatively dyed baseball gloves to match gourmet sunflower seed cans.
Small Businesses Shine Amid Challenges
Throughout the year, Biz Beat explored numerous eateries, each with distinct offerings and stories. Notable experiences included savoring spicy chicken at Scratch Cookery, enjoying pizza and meatball sliders while participating in corporate team-building exercises at Campo di Bocce in Los Gatos, and discovering the Mexi-Hound at The Happy Hound, a hot dog wrapped in a tortilla and served with chili.
The year also served as a reminder of the precarious nature of small businesses, as several beloved establishments closed. The Funny Farm, known for its humor and poutine, and Mama Kin, celebrated for its Cajun cuisine and live music, both ceased operations. This situation emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses during challenging times.
In June, Tony Di Maggio’s Pizza in San Jose reopened after a fire devastated the roof, drawing long lines of loyal customers eager to return. Founded in 1977, this family-owned pizzeria has demonstrated resilience, particularly after the loss of founder Tony Di Maggio in 2012. The restaurant is renowned for its exceptional pizza, but the standout dish is the stromboli, a savory combination of ham, salami, cheeses, and mustard, all enveloped in dough. The daily preparation of the red sauce in a 20-gallon pot adds to the charm. Notably, Anna Di Maggio, Tony’s 80-year-old wife, still crafts each stromboli by hand, contributing to approximately 50% of the restaurant’s sales.
Celebrating Culinary Diversity
Teske’s Germania, co-owned by Greg Baumann, offers a slice of German hospitality that feels both nostalgic and welcoming. Established in 1980, this family-run restaurant features a menu that has remained consistent over the decades. Diners can indulge in dishes like Jägerschnitzel and Rinderpaprikagulasch, alongside an impressive selection of German beers and schnapps. The atmosphere is enhanced by the Bavarian outdoor beer garden and traditional decor dating back to the 1890s.
A different kind of community support is found at The Thrift Box, a thrift store operated by the San Jose Auxiliary for Children. The Thrift Box raises over $1 million annually for the Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital Foundation through volunteer efforts. Unlike typical thrift stores, The Box offers a curated selection of items, including designer clothes and fine china, ensuring quality for shoppers and donors alike.
Taqueria Tlaquepaque stands out as a remarkable Mexican restaurant, with owner Ubaldo Navarro-Castillo drawing on culinary traditions from his childhood in Jalisco, Mexico. With a focus on freshness, the restaurant prepares rice and sauces daily, ensuring every dish bursts with flavor. Despite a reduction from three locations pre-COVID to just one, Tlaquepaque remains a culinary gem, attracting patrons from afar for its authentic tacos and Bistec a la Mexicana.
Mommy’s Bánh Mì, which began as a food truck, has gained popularity for its Vietnamese offerings. Owner Curtis Lai’s enthusiasm for his craft is evident in the moist, flavorful bánh mì sandwiches and the standout Vietnamese Chicken Wings. The house-made bread and unique fillings have drawn praise from customers, reinforcing Lai’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
As 2025 comes to a close, the stories from Biz Beat reflect the vibrant spirit of Silicon Valley’s small businesses. While challenges persist, the resilience and creativity displayed by these establishments offer hope and inspire continued community support. As always, readers are encouraged to explore and support local independent businesses throughout the new year.
For more stories or to suggest a business for future features, contact Robert Eliason at [email protected].
