May 20, 2004

Buca di Beppo partners with San Jose Family Shelter for May 26 Oakridge grand opening

The Buca di Beppo restaurant at Westfield Shoppingtown Oakridge will open to the public on May 26 and the restaurant plans to donate a portion of adult beverage proceeds from two grand opening preview parties to the San Jose Family Shelter.

Families and children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. San Jose Family Shelter is the only shelter in Santa Clara County that exclusively serves families with children. It allows them to stay together during the difficult ordeal of homelessness. The San Jose Family Shelter’s aim is to address the problems of homelessness from the point of view of the family. It provides programs designed to guide our residents to economic self-sufficiency.

“With volunteer help and financial assistance from our supporters like Buca di Beppo, we continue to serve approximately 1,200 men, women and children each year,” stated Trish Crowder, executive director of the San Jose Family Shelter.

“Buca di Beppo restaurants are very involved with the communities they serve,” said Joe Gatto, Paisano Partner for the new Buca di Beppo-San Jose. “We’re very excited to move into San Jose and are proud to contribute to vital organizations such as the San Jose Family Shelter. We hope this donation will make a difference in the group’s ability to support homeless families in San Jose.”

As part of Buca di Beppo restaurant’s ongoing commitment to the neighborhood, the restaurant will continue to look for new ways to be a good neighbor and become further involved in the community.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with Buca di Beppo during their grand opening at Oakridge,” explained Crowder. “We expect that their donation will provide a month of food and shelter to several families in need.”

Members of the San Jose Family Shelter and its foundation will be on hand during the opening celebration of the restaurant.

The San Jose Buca di Beppo restaurant is located at 925 Blossom Hill Road, on the south side of Oakridge Shoppingtown. The restaurant will be open seven days a week: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are welcome. Major credit cards accepted. Takeout is also available.