Los Gatos Live Oak Kitchen Closes

Live Oak Kitchen at Downing Center of Los Gatos, 15531 Union Ave., has closed leaving many customers sad about the abrupt departure.

Next-door Old Oak Bottle Shop, 15525 Union Ave., also shows as being available for lease on the Colliers International website.

"This is such a great shopping center surrounded by an even better neighborhood," said Los Gatos Patch reader Dan Cuschieri, who alerted us about the closings.

"We need more restaurants and great direct neighborhood serving stores to fill this shopping center since it appears that when the original owners sold the property to another big-business organization a while ago with the decline in the economy, we have seen an exit of businesses from the shopping center," he said.

Cuschieri said through www.nextdoor.com website and from casual conversations, neighbors are hoping for great things to come to this shopping center.

"I think we need all the help we can get to drum up some enthusiasm about Downing Center and the great opportunity it can bring to businesses that can really serve our neighborhood and not just be in it," he added.

According to the Town of Los Gatos' website, Downing Center serves the neighborhoods of Belgatos, East los Gatos and San Jose. Safeway serves as the anchor tenant and it's surrounded by Walgreens, eateries, retailers, and personal services.

Calls to Colliers International's John Machado were not immediately returned by posting time.