News/Blog

November 29, 2022

Giorgio's restaurant brand opens 4th location in Downtown Morgan Hill

By Brittney Sherman

Giorgio’s Italian Food and Pizzeria, the newest restaurant in Downtown Morgan Hill, will conduct it’s official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday December 7 at 2 p.m. With its prime location in the heart of Downtown, this 5,000 Square Foot restaurant with a 3,000 Square Foot patio featuring custom wrought iron floral fencing and a flair of Italy will satisfy the community’s desire for outdoor dining while strengthening Morgan Hill as a dining destination.

The restaurant’s location at 17390 Monterey Rd was previously owned by the former Redevelopment Agency and sold in 2017 as part of the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency’s assets. The site was purchased and renovated by Lone Star Development Owner, Steve Pace, with the intention of designing and building a high-quality artisan style facility, with the goal of attracting the finest long term restaurant occupant to Downtown Morgan Hill.

Established in 1959, Giorgio’s started with a family-owned and operated restaurant in Mountain View called Frankie, Johnnie, and Luigi! The first Giorgio’s location was opened in San Jose, followed by a second location in Milpitas in 1997. Morgan Hill marks the 4th location for the Giorgio’s brand. “We are excited and honored to continue the Giorgio’s legacy in Morgan Hill, a City with a tight-knit community, bustling downtown, and thriving food scene,” said Mike D’Ambrosio, part of the family ownership group. “Our Opening Day is here, so come and enjoy- Mangia!”

Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Director Matt Mahood at Matt.Mahood@morganhill.ca.gov

November 28, 2022

Downtown boutique hotel receives 5th floor approval

By Brittney Sherman

On November 16, the MoHi Hotel and Marketplace received approval for a partial fifth floor and (13) additional rooms, two key components for the owner to secure the necessary financing to resume construction. Since the project was originally presented in 2015, the valuation has more than doubled, resulting in the owner’s inability to continue privately financing the project. Securing this approval and funding is projected to get the hotel “to occupancy” by December 31, 2025. 

Frank Leal purchased both the Granada Theater and Downtown Mall properties in 2015, as part of the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency and associated City-owned property. His intention was to renovate and reopen the Granada Theater and construct a 60-room full-service boutique hotel and market hall. The Granada Theater was re-stored in 2016 and has since operated as an entertainment venue. Construction on the hotel began in 2017 however ceased in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent challenges.

Although construction came to a standstill, the 2-story structure was far from abandoned. From the shell of the defunct hotel arose a wildly popular dining concept called Mohi Social. Referenced as one of the “Top (9) Fresh Air Finds” for outdoor dining by the Mercury News, the construction shell was transformed into a bustling outdoor dining restaurant offering upscale cuisine and elaborate cocktails. As construction on the hotel resumes, restaurant patrons can continue enjoying Leal’s dining offerings at the soon-to-open MOHI Farms, located just down the road at 90 E 3rd Street.

Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Director Matt Mahood at Matt.Mahood@morganhill.ca.gov

November 28, 2022

From spore to table

By Brittney Sherman

Morgan Hill based mushroom lab Sempera Organics is breaking into the meat substitute game with their newly launched product- Mamu. Made from three species of ground mushrooms grown on chickpeas, Mamu has already made an appearance on several Silicon Valley restaurant menus. Involving a Michelin star chef in the early stages of the tasting and testing process, has resulted in a product that is versatile and flavorful, without the need for salt. Diners with food allergies can rejoice because Mamu is both gluten-free and allergy-free. Growing mushrooms supports environmental sustainability, generating 85 times less carbon dioxide than meat production and using 98% less water than most other vegetables.

Read the full article from The Peninsula Foodist HERE.

Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Director Matt Mahood at Matt.Mahood@morganhill.ca.gov

November 11, 2022

Morgan Hill joins the United Against Hate movement

By Brittney Sherman

Maya Angelou summed up the worthlessness of the emotion when she said, “Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world but has not solved one yet.” The National United Against Hate (UAH) Week will be observed November 13-19 and is an effort wholeheartedly supported by the City of Morgan Hill, as is demonstrated by several previously adopted anti-hate resolutions. All residents are invited and encouraged to attend the kick-off event at the Morgan Hill Library on Sunday, November 13, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. The event will feature music and cultural activities, and a speech featuring the United Against Hate theme.

Join the movement and help spread the message by downloading and displaying a printable poster HERE.

Have questions? Contact the City of Morgan Hill Public Information Officer at pio@morganhill.ca.gov

November 11, 2022

Santa Clara County extends reach to vulnerable communities through non-profit grants

By Brittney Sherman

Non-profit organizations located in Santa Clara County will soon be eligible to receive $300,000 in grant funding via a County led program aimed at providing services to the most vulnerable community members in an equitable, diverse, respectful, and inclusive way.

Valley Medical Center Foundation and the County of Santa Clara recently announced a $10 million Covid-19 Nonprofit Resilience and Sustainability Grant Program with the goal to strengthen the sustainability and responsiveness of local nonprofits negatively impacted by the pandemic. Grant applications will be accepted online starting November 14, 2022 and closing on December 19, 2022, at 4 p.m.

Fun fact: there are more than 16,000 non-profit organizations, operating at various levels, within Santa Clara County.

For more information, visit the Valley Medical Foundation website HERE.

Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Director Matt Mahood at Matt.Mahood@morganhill.ca.gov

November 01, 2022

County expands hazardous waste program to small businesses

By Brittney Sherman

Non-profits, property managers, and small businesses can now safely dispense of hazardous materials through the County’s existing waste program. The Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) disposal program is a drop-off service for businesses that generate fewer than 220 pounds, or 27 gallons, of hazardous waste per month, from paint and motor oil to batteries and propane tanks.

Convenience + cost savings + environmental conservation= Happy Business and Healthy Planet!

Read the full Press Release HERE and see if your business qualifies.

Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Director Matt Mahood at Matt.Mahood@morganhill.ca.gov