Town and Country to See a Few More Changes

In early 2013, Ellis will start -- and quickly finish -- the last piece of its 9-year seismic and physical plant upgrade. It will empty and rehabilitate a portion of the building on the southwest corner of the property. 

When the work is completed, this portion will reopen and include Gott's Roadside but not Hobee's, a local institution.

Gott's Roadside is renowned as the iconic gourmet burger stand from St. Helena. Started in 1999, the award-wining restaurant now has three popular locations, two in Napa Valley and one in San Francisco's Ferry Building. Palo Alto will be its fourth location.

Gott's Roadside serves updated American and California classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a select list of beers and wines. All of their menu items are made-to-order using fresh, local ingredients. 

"We've been looking in Palo Alto for many years now and are thrilled to be opening in this community," said Joel Gott. "This is the perfect space we're going into, especially with the exceptional outdoor dining area it offers."

The feeling is mutual with Ellis Partners, says its Vice President, Asset Management Caroline Morris.

"Bringing Joel Gott to Town and Country is truly exciting," she said. "Joel's approach to fresh and innovative cuisine fits right in with the retailers and existing restaurants at the center."

Local fans of Hobee's, however, may be a little disappointed.

Edward Gerard Fike posted on his facebook page: "Friends, the rumors are true: Hobee's in Town and Country will be closing in January. We simply couldn't afford the renewal terms which required increased rent, an extended closure and the major expense of reconfiguring our space. Though our landlord announced the news in a press release . . . without our knowledge, I am loving the flood of support coming in from all corners of the community. Thank you all for your kindness!"

Town and Country's Physical Evolution

Since acquiring the property in 2004, Ellis Partners painstakingly upgraded these idyllic buildings which were built in the 1950's, including many city code required upgrades such as major seismic, electrical and plumbing alterations.  Ellis has also done extensive reconstruction to all outdoor areas including landscaping, gathering areas and walkways.

The final part of this nine-year effort is located in a portion of the building at the Southwestern corner of the property. In order to accomplish this work, Ellis had to time all current leases to expire at the end of 2012. It is now working with current tenants to relocate them on the premises. 

Jamba Juice will soon begin construction on its new location across from the newly opened Asian Box restaurant.  

Halo Blowdry Bar will be doubling in size and building out a new location elsewhere on the property to accommodate its growing customer base. 

Hobee's, unfortunately, will not re-open after the retrofit but will remain in Palo Alto along with their seven other South Bay locations.

"Town and Country Village has maintained its old world charm and stood the test of time," Morris said. "But we realize that the location must evolve to meet the needs of modern clients and tenants. This latest improvement allows us to stay fresh, exciting and relevant." 

Hobee's released a statement on their Facebook page: "It is with deep regret, we announce that our Town and Country Village location will be closing in January 2013. As the "Palo Alto Weekly" and others noted, Hobee's was offered a lease extension which required a rent hike, financing a major reconfiguration of the restaurant space and sustaining a lengthy period of business interruption during construction. All of these factors made continuing financially infeasible.
We will be sending you lots of updates on our plans as we wind down our storied Town and Country operation. In the meantime, your wonderful comments of support mean the world to us. Thank you!"

For more than fifty years, Town & Country Village has served the Peninsula by offering unique specialty stores, daily services and fine restaurants. Newly remodeled with plenty of relaxing outdoor patios, beautiful landscaping and flower-filled planters, Town & Country continues to be one of the most vibrant shopping experiences in Northern California. For more information, visit http://www.tandcvillage.com/

For more information on Gott's Roadside, visit http://gotts.com/

For more information on Halo Blow Dry Bar, visit http://www.haloblowdrybar.com/

For more information on Jamba Juice, visit http://www.jambajuice.com/