In-N-Out Burgers in San Carlos: Is it a Done Deal?

Not Everyone Is On Board.

There was quite a buzz around San Carlos when news first broke that In-N-Out Burgers was planning to open up a restaurant right here in our city.  In-N-Out Burgers has a cult-like following in Northern California, obviously because people like the food.  But a big part of their success lies in the fact that they aren’t an omnipresent chain like McDonalds or Starbucks.   They play the supply-and-demand game like a fiddle.  Consequently, when they pick a location to open a new restaurant it’s pretty big news — especially for a cash-strapped city like San Carlos.

But not all of the buzz about In-N-Out coming to San Carlos has been positive.   Residents in close proximity to the proposed site are worried about the effects of increased traffic to an already overloaded intersection at Holly and Industrial.  Others have publicly questions whether selling the land outright to In-N-Out as opposed to leasing it was the best choice for a cash-strapped city.  Regardless of where you stand on these issues, the point is clear — not everyone is on board with this plan.   Which leads to the following question:

Is This a Done Deal?

Right now the land sale to In-N-Out is in the final stages of closing.  But it’s important to note that closing this deal is conditional on In-N-Out being able to secure the necessary permits from the San Carlos Building and Planning Commissions.  In addition, this project may be approved or rejected by these Commissions, as well as the City Council, depending on the amount and relevance of public opposition.   So it goes without saying that a few eyebrows were raised when there was a discussion at the Jan 11th City Council Meeting on possible ways to spend the proceeds of the land sale.   Some residents were a bit miffed by what came across as City Hall acting like the deal was already done.

So…What Do You Think?

Some time has passed since the initial news broke.  What are your thoughts now on In-N-Out coming to San Carlos?   Is it a good fit for San Carlos?  Or will it create more problems than it’s worth?  As I mentioned above, public opinion will have an impact on the approval process.  So let everyone know what you think by leaving a comment, and by voting in the following poll — I’m told that this blog occasionally makes the rounds in the Council Chambers, so your comments will indeed be seen:

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San Carlos Downtown Business Spotlight: The Door Christian Bookstore

An extended economic malaise like the one we’re living through can really make things stressful for people.   Employment and financial worries can dominate your thoughts and actions, and make things much more difficult than they need to be.  If you’re looking for an uplifting experience to get your mind off of your worries, check out The Door at 787 Laurel Street in San Carlos.

The Door is a unique little bookstore/cafe that focuses on creating a positive, Christian environment.    There are lots of religious and self-improvement books, as well as inexpensive gifts and jewelry with a positive message.      In October of 2009, they added a full coffee bar to the bookstore to encourage group meetings, or just to provide a quiet place to take a break.

This store is one of those San Carlos treasures that gives Laurel Street such a unique feel.   For more information, click here for The Door’s website, or here for their reviews on Yelp.

And remember….Shop San Carlos!

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San Carlos Blockbuster: What’s next for this location?

It’s not necessarily news when businesses change in San Carlos.   But when one business’ demise opens up a prime store front on the booming north section of Laurel Street… well, that’s news.   Such is the case with the imminent closing of Blockbuster Video’s downtown San Carlos location.  When Blockbuster completes its exodus from San Carlos, one of the few corner parcels on Laurel Street will be up for grabs.

In a town already flush with restaurants and bars,  it would come as no surprise if some dining entrepreneur is licking his chops to set up shop in the shadow of  the very successful Town Restaurant, which is just across the street.

What do YOU think?

What business do you think will take over this location?  What would most benefit downtown San Carlos right now?  Do we already have enough bars and restaurants, or is there room for another?

Got an idea or opinion?  Share it with everyone by leaving a comment!

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Tough economy hits San Carlos businesses, too…

The economy hasn’t been tough only on homeowners in San Carlos. Local businesses are also feeling the pain — so much so that two local and very visible merchants in San Carlos have decided to pull up stake and close their doors. The first of these is Blockbuster Video on Laurel Street. Citing an “ailing economy” as the cause, Blockbuster is closing a significant number of their stores, including the San Carlos location.  One could argue that their business model is as much to blame for their downfall, as they compete in the rental market against the 800-pound gorilla Netflix. The internet must be taking a huge bite out of their business, too – virtually every television show and most movies can be streamed on the internet. Driving to a store to pick up a DVD just isn’t happening anymore.

Blockbuster hasn’t given a specific date when they will officially close their doors, but they are no longer renting videos from this location and they’re aggressively trying to liquidate their remaining inventory.

Another local business will soon be history is the Game Crazy outlet that shares space with Hollywood Video in the Home Depot parking lot. They announced their intent to shut this location down a few months back, and they are within days of closing their doors for good in San Carlos.   I figured my kids spent enough money there to keep that place afloat, but I was wrong. 

It will be interesting to see how this prolonged recession will change the face of San Carlos business.      The unique collection of family-owned businesses is one of the key things that gives downtown San Carlos its charm.   I hope they’re hanging in there.

(Special thanks to blog reader Cisco Villalta for the tip on this article…)

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Breaking News: Is In-N-Out Burger coming to San Carlos?

Sure looks that way.  Take a peek at what’s on the City Council Agenda for this coming Monday’s meeting:

San Carlos City Council Agenda — 10/12/09

According to the email update I received from the City, the city-owned parcel at the corner of Industrial and Holly that’s specified as item “6d” in the agenda is going to be purchased by none other than  In-N-Out Burgers.   This is such a no-brainer!   Not only is it the perfect location for an In-N-Out location — the closest ones are in Mountain View and Millbrae — but it will be a HUGE sales tax revenue generator a City that really needs a shot in the arm (or bank account.)

This is a great coup for the City of San Carlos, but not so great for my cholesterol level. Oh well, I’ll still take a #1 animal style, chocolate shake….

UPDATE:  Here’s an article in this morning’s Daily Journal with more info:  In-N-Out Coming to San Carlos

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Shiki Bistro takes over the Siskin’s Pharmacy Site.

More food for Laurel Street

It was over a year ago that I posed the question on this site:  Who will take over the Siskin’s Pharmacy site?  It’s a great location in the mid-section of Laurel, right across from Bianchini’s and Starbucks.    There were quite a few good suggestions that were offered, but now the suspense is over. The new addition to Laurel Street is…. … Continue Reading

Harmony Yogurt pitches in (again) to help Burton Park…

Cool Treat, Cooler Idea…

Harmony Yogurt is once again stepping to the plate to help San Carlos Parks.   This weekend, June 27th and 28th,  Harmony will donate $1 from every froyo they sell to the Burton Park Playground Fund.  This fund is critical to support playground maintenance and operations at the park, especially now that budgets are being drastically cut.

This isn’t the first time that Harmony has made such a generous gesture, and it’s a great example for other San Carlos businesses to follow.    Town Restaurant is another San Carlos family-owned business that is always doing fantastic things for our schools and our community too.   So be sure to drop by Harmony this weekend, and treat your park while you’re treating yourself!

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Hot Harvest Nights: San Carlos Farmer’s Market Returns May 7th…

2009
Hot Harvest Nights
San Carlos Farmers’ Market
Market Opens Thursday May 7

Beautiful, Fresh Produce, Flowers and Specialty Foods

It’s Back…

It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year already, but Hot Harvest Nights — a favorite summer event in San Carlos — is set to make its return on May 7th.  Sponsored by the City of San Carlos, the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce, and  A+ Japanese Auto Repair, Hot Harvest Nights features certified produce and specialty foods, musical entertainment and great food.  Stores throughout San Carlos’ popular downtown shopping area will be open for your convenience.

Good food, good fun…

Every Thursday evening from May 7 through September 10, the stretch of Laurel Street between Cherry and Olive Streets is closed to car traffic, and 50 to 60 booths featuring fresh produce, food, and flowers are set up right in the middle of the street.  There’s also great live music, and a variety of artist’s booths to check out.   If nothing else, it’s great fun just bumping into old friends and neighbors down there.

Bring your appetite…

We make this our dinner routine on Thursday nights in the summer.   There’s the very popular rosemary chicken, fresh tamales, and interesting tastes from around the world.  For dessert, there are some insanely rich chocolate treats…or of course, hot kettle corn.

If you didn’t make it to last year’s Market, make sure you attend this year.  You’ll be glad you did.

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