By Clyde Noel

Local owners say business is good despite economic downturn

Although the candles have gone out in several fine dining establishments, most Los Altos restaurants haven’t gone on a crash diet for business.

People still want to get out and enjoy good food, but instead of spending $25-$35 a person they are going for classic pasta dishes and less expensive entrees priced at $9.95-$21.95.

Restaurants have always been a changing business in Los Altos, with two local institutions - Mac’s Continental Grill and Main Street Bar & Grill - now closed. On the breakfast level, the Original Pancake House on San Antonio Road just changed hands after its opening three years ago.

Brian Whitlock, owner of the Los Altos Coffee Shop, has no complaints.

“My niche is breakfast and lunch,” Whitlock said. “For 25 years I have served the Los Altos community what they like. In turn, they are the most supportive people you can find.”

During the week Whitlock’s customers are small-business people, and on weekends they’re families. Every weekend the waiting line starts outside the door. “How’s business? It’s great. I can’t complain,” he said.

Nick Tavasci, assistant manager for Le Boulanger Restaurants, said business is great compared to previous years.

“The Los Altos store is second in total sales out of 21 Le Boulanger restaurants in Bay Area cities,” Tavasci said. “We get a lot of business people for lunch and families for dinner. However, I can’t believe the fine dining restaurants are doing well because I don’t see a lot of big-time spenders in Los Altos.”

Noah Cooper, executive chef/owner of Z Restaurant, said business has picked up the past three weeks.

“People aren’t making reservations these days - they just drop in,” Cooper said. “We are seeing a lot of new clientele coming in for dining on the patio, and the wine dinners have been exceptional. We are exceeding our summer expectations so far.”

What’s helping Z Restaurant this time of year are weddings and business meetings. Cooper said Z has experienced several Sunday buyouts, with more than 150 people. These events take over the entire restaurant.

Lucky’s Chinese restaurant, owned by Peter Cheung, has three locations - two in Mountain View and the 13-year-old Los Altos version.

Wendy Chan, a partner with Lucky’s, said business is doing well.

“We see a lot more to-go than we have in the past, especially in the Mountain View branches,” Chan said. “Here in the restaurant, when they get a larger portion than they were prepared for, they ask for a box. We like that, because it means they like the food.”

“I have been here 13 years, and you can’t imagine all the costs that restaurants get hit with.” Philip Chan, Lucky’s assistant manager, said, “Rents are higher in Los Altos, and when business is down it makes it difficult. It’s tough to make cuts in the staff because suddenly the floor will be full and you need everyone out there.”

Celeste Roberti, the bartender at Maltby’s, said business has not slowed down one bit. The summer has been busy, including the bar trade.

Clarke’s Charcoal Broiler has two locations. The one in Rancho Shopping Center is entering a slow period, while the Mountain View branch is doing very well.

Steve Blach, general manager, said the Rancho Shopping Center branch is slow because the entire shopping center is down. “Our customer base is families and kids, and they go away for the summer. The Mountain View location is doing great, with a lot of takeout,” he said.

“Everybody has been down since Sept. 11,” said Todd Crag, restaurant manager for Bandera. “Our sales are about the same as last year, somewhat flat. We expect to have a 1 percent to 2 percent increase.”

He added, “We always do well because of our fantastic food, high quality and fast service. Each server is responsible for only three tables.”

The Japanese restaurant Sumo is open seven days a week. Owner John Chen was off for the day. His sister, Julie Chen, said business is slow these days.

“It’s up and down, but we do well on Mondays and on Thursday nights when the farmers market is open,” Julie said. “Most of the customers are local, from Los Altos Hills. They bring in the kids to look at the (sushi) boats.”

After talking with different restaurant owners and workers, it’s apparent the Los Altos restaurant business is not in a recession. Business has been steady and people still eat, but the average per-plate is down a bit.

Daytime diners want a place where they can wear a pair of sweats, get a good breakfast or lunch, read the paper and eat out two or three times a week at a lower price.