News/Blog

News and thoughts from our staff

Filtered by Category: restaurant

 
Home kitchen fees waived through March

Home kitchen fees waived through March

By Brittney Sherman

In March 2023, the Micro Enterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) ordinance and permit fees were adopted by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, authorizing home-based retail food facilities. Under this program, food is prepared, cooked and served from a private residence at a maximum of 90 meals per week. Due to recent fee relief, the MEHKO application ($435) and permit ($635) fees have been waived through March 2024.

Program History: In January 2019, AB 262 authorized individuals to operate restaurants out of their private residences. In September 2022, SB 972 approved MEHKO operators to expand their offerings by collaborating with no more than two Compact Mobile Food Operators for sidewalk vendor sales. In 2023, AB 1325 adjusted the MEKHOS annual gross income cap to $100,000 and expanded the weekly meals to no more than 90.

Learn more about the MEHKO program HERE.

 
California sets fast food mandatory minimum wage at $20

California sets fast food mandatory minimum wage at $20

By Brittney Sherman

Late September, Governor Newsom repealed the Fast-Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act, replacing it with a mandatory $20 per hour minimum wage for all fast food employees. The base wage will go into effect on April 1, 2024 . A nine-person Fast Food Council will be appointed to monitor and recommend additional annual wage increases and workforce standards for fast food employees through 2029.

Read the full article HERE.

 
2023 End of year eNewsletter

2023 End of year eNewsletter

By Brittney Sherman

As we close out another busy year, the Economic Development team would like to wish all of our businesses a happy and prosperous holiday season. We are grateful for the community’s support of the Downtown Street Activations, the Buy Local Holiday Shopping Passport, and engagement during our business roundtable meetings. This final newsletter of the 2023 year captures just a few of our most recent accomplishments. We look forward to the New Year and our work ahead to support the City’s long-term fiscal sustainability and increase the number of local job opportunities for all Morgan Hill residents.  

Read the full eNewsletter HERE.

 
The Breakfast Club opens new location in Morgan Hill

The Breakfast Club opens new location in Morgan Hill

By Brittney Sherman

In 2024, Morgan Hill will become one of four new locations for the quickly growing diner chain: The Breakfast Club. The restaurant will setup shop in the prior YOLKED location and will offer a creative breakfast, lunch, and brunch menu, in addition to a full bar and live music.

Read the full article in the SJ Spotlight Publication HERE.

 
Two Los Gatos businesses expand in Downtown Morgan Hill

Two Los Gatos businesses expand in Downtown Morgan Hill

By Brittney Sherman

Los Gatos-based businesses Enoteca La Storia and Oak & Rye are both expanding in Morgan Hill. Oak & Rye will open The Silos, a full-service restaurant and bar, at the newly constructed 1,464-square-foot restaurant space tucked behind the iconic 45-foot-tall silos, historical remnants from the original granary operation. Enoteca La Storia plans to open its wine shop called Ancora Vino in Downtown Morgan Hill at 17337 Monterey Rd., the current Murphy’s Mercantile Store. Ancora Vino will be a 2,200-square-foot retail wine shop and tasting room offering 150 wines under $25 and ten different wine clubs.

Read the full Press Release HERE

 
Shop Small Saturday on November 25

Shop Small Saturday on November 25

By Brittney Sherman

According to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express, reported projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $17.9 billion in 2022.

There are approximately 32 million independent businesses nationwide, employing nearly 61.7 million people. Small businesses are the backbone of your communities, and with 19.6% of small businesses failing in the first year and only 34.5% surviving past 10 years, they need all the support they can get. Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by SBA since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season. Take the pledge to Shop Small on Saturday November 25 and support local small business owners all season long.

For a list of Morgan Hill small businesses, visit the Buy Local #95037 Directory HERE.

Join us on Social Media

Talk to our team