Photo Diego Abeloos/Town Crier Laura and Michael Chan, with their six-month-old son, Chase, took ownership of Gourmet Works in October after moving to Los Altos in August. Michael is a Los Altos High School Class of 1999 graduate.

Life can’t get sweeter – or busier – these days for Los Altos residents Laura and Michael Chan.

Six months ago, the couple welcomed their first child, son Chase, followed by a move from Seattle to Los Altos in August. If that weren’t enough, the Chans collectively decided on a career change and assumed ownership of Gourmet Works at 205 Main St. Oct. 1.

Although the idea of juggling a growing family and starting a new retail career may seem daunting to some, the Chans told the Town Crier they’re embracing this new phase of their life – both personally and professionally.

“The opportunity (to purchase the business) just happened at the right time,” Laura said of owning and operating the chocolate and specialty foods shop. “It was just the right time and the right place. We couldn’t ask for more.”

Beyond that, their move to Los Altos also represents a homecoming for Michael, a Los Altos High School Class of 1999 graduate who also attended Almond and Egan Junior High schools. He said the decision to move back to Los Altos was an easy one, particularly when it came to the idea of raising his son in a community he himself had cherished as a child.

“We always wanted to come back to this area,” said Michael, who worked as a business analyst in Seattle. “It’s a final destination, in a sense. … I grew up here, so I really just love this area.”

Michael’s family operated Lucky’s Chinese restaurant on State Street several years ago, so catching the bug to run his own business seemed only natural, he noted.

“We’re not the cubicle or office types,” said Michael, who met his wife while they both attended business school at UC Irvine. “We like interacting with local residents.”

And while the face of ownership may have changed, the Chans say little else will. Longtime Gourmet Works customers will still see the same chocolate and specialty-food product lines they’re accustomed to purchasing, along with perhaps a few new ones, the couple said.

“We’re just really excited to be in the community,” Michael said. “It’s good to be back. It’s home, and it’s really nice to see some familiar faces.”

For more information, visit www.gourmetworkslosaltos.com.

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