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News Stand
Bistro gives up the ghost after 18-month struggle
After struggling to make rent through coffee and sandwich sales for a year and a half, the Village Bistro has shut its doors. Owner Deak VanArsdale says that before every penny is gone, he will stop operation.
"I was able to pay all my bills and get out of here," he says "but I'm not going to go so deep into debt that I end up filing for bankruptcy."
VanArsdale opened the cafe 18 months ago with the intention to expand into a full-service restaurant with continental cuisine. He wanted to box in the cafe's patio area with wind protectors, and create an entire outdoor dining area. A number of events, including the delayed sale of his home, impeded his ability to move forward with this dream. Now it may be lost for good, although the bistro owner hasn't entirely ruled out reopening.
"I don't know what I'm going to do," he says. "I still have a lease for three and a half more years."
Meanwhile, customers getting their last coffee drinks at the Bistro last Thursday were very somber.
"They treat you like family here," said Reg Bravo, a Village Bistro regular. "If you leave your wallet at home, or on your desk, you can still get your coffee. It's going to be missed."
--Cecily Barnes
Downtown gets split decision from chain super-snackeries
The rumor that Starbucks may be joining the downtown Campbell business community has been given an officially confirmed "maybe."
"Starbucks has expressed an interest in moving into downtown Campbell and they are looking at my building, but as of yet we have not come to terms," said Greg deVries, who owns the building at the corner of 1st and Campbell Avenue. "They would be a possibility if we could negotiate and come to something we agree upon."
Another rumor has also been floating around--that Noah's Bagels might tag along to the area with Starbucks. On this we have a definite answer: No.
"Definitely Noah's Bagels is not at all interested," deVries said. "I would have loved to have someone like Noah's Bagels but they're not at all interested."
Other tenants who have expressed interest include a jewelry shop and a gourmet burrito taqueria. Stay tuned to this spot for updates.
--Cecily Barnes
Councilmember recounts visit to neighborhood
Councilman Matthew Dean took advantage of a brief lull during the May 4 council meeting to tell the small audience about his newfound fondness for Mr. Rogers, genial host of the long-running children's TV program. Dean watched Rogers receive his Legacy for Children award from the Children's Discovery Museum, and couldn't stop raving about it.
"I know I'll be labeled a nut for saying this," he said, "but he's actually one of the most inspirational, best public speakers I've seen in my life."
Dean went on excitedly to recall that Rogers had even worn his green sweater, and that the man "oozed" sincerity.
"If you ever get a chance, see this person," Dean said.
--Cecily Barnes
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Campbell, California
