By: Sam Gruetter

Opinion Editor

Recently, the popular outdoor mall Santana Row adopted a myriad of new stores and restaurants into their already extensive list of vendors. Known for its polished architecture and constant bustling streets, Santana Row is a local spot where many people go to enjoy a handcrafted meal or shop at high-end stores, such as Lulumemon or Nike. 

One of the most exciting openings in the Row is Augustine, a restaurant that pairs perfectly with the ambiance of the mall itself. Located in Suite 1000, the restaurant has a menu of California cuisine with a “European Influence.” Their menu includes dishes such as seafood, caviar, and pastries. In early April, Santana Row will see the introduction of another restaurant, Parranga, this time serving traditional Mexican cuisine. Parranga will commemorate the opening of their fourth location by offering a free taco to the first 200 patrons. Eduardo Rallo, chairman of the company who owns Parranga, describes the cultural immersion the restaurant offers, saying, “Parranga is about bringing an incredibly traditional, Mexico City-style taqueria experience to Santana Row. We believe that great food should be fresh, accessible, and, above all, authentic — and that’s exactly what we’re offering,”  

On the other end of the spectrum of new vendors at Santana Row, a series of retail stores are also opening up. Many of these new stores are familiar chains; however, some offer more niche merchandise. Among the latter are Sezane and Evereve, two clothing brands that are tailored to a variety of audiences. Sezane is a French brand that specializes in clothes made in Europe which reflect the current trends and popular styles in Paris. Evereve, located in Suite 1024, is a clothing shop targeted towards women’s casual wear, such as denim items and spring dresses. 

More familiar stores have also recently entered the sphere of Santana Row, specifically Blue Mercury and Vuori. Blue Mercury is a high-end pharmacy/cosmetics store that has another location in downtown Los Gatos. Additionally, popular and upcoming clothing brand Vuori is planning to expand its current storefront during the spring into H&M’s former retail space. 

  The influx of new stores in Santana Row is a testament to the immense success of the outdoor mall and its undeniable appeal to San Jose locals. Christian Irwin, the vice president of the realty company that designed Santana Row, commented on the mall’s success: “San Jose is thriving…The demand for great retail is alive and well.”

(Sources: Mercury News, Santana Row)