Posted on 02/12/2024 12:37:15 PM PST by nickcarraway
The iconic Garlic Shoppe in Gilroy is being forced to say goodbye to its original store and pack up and leave. The landmark store is best known for selling everything from garlic and spices to jams, sauces, and even garlic ice cream.
"Very depressing, we've been here for 39 years. Alex is 62, and I'm 63. We are planning to retire a few years...now we have to basically start all over again," Charlie Larson, co-owner of Garlic Shoppe, said.
Located at the intersection of two of the busiest highways in the area, highway 101 and State Route 25, the shop is recognizable to thousands who travel the route.
Garlic Shoppe owners Alex Larson and his brother Charlie say they have just days to move, as the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Agency acquired their property under eminent domain to build a brand new intersection.
"People are concerned that another small business, mom-and-pop or brothers' business is being swallowed up by the government," Alex Larson said.
The current intersection is over 30 years old, and according to the transportation agency, it does not meet growing traffic demands and is a safety hazard with higher-than-average crashes.
"Every year, there seems to be a little more traffic. A lot of people are moving south into the area; home values are less, so we're attracting a lot more residents," Dianne Steiner, a resident of Gilroy, said.
Recommended The 49ers get tricky to score the 1st touchdown of Super Bowl 58 The nearly $140 million project will replace Highway 25's two-lane overcrossing with a four-lane overcrossing over Highway 101, increase the length of Highway 101 off-ramp, and add upgrades like new traffic signals and bike lanes.
For some, the improvements are long overdue, but those improvements come with a cost.
"Two ways, it's a little sad that they're moving. It's an iconic structure with wonderful spices, but on the other hand, traffic on 101 has just escalated so much," Steiner said.
The Garlic Shoppe says they are closing the doors at the location starting on Monday but are moving to their sister winery, Rapazzini Winery, just down the street. They plan to sell their Garlic Shoppe products there until the end of the year to buy them time to find another permanent location.
Good story!
I told a friend about smashing a clove with a chef’s knife and she cut herself!!!!!
Tonite I had roasted garlic in our sauteed onions! YUMMM!
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