Y
’a Bon Espresso Bar will be opening its second Morgan Hill
location in the former train depot building at the end of Third
Street.
Y’a Bon Espresso Bar will be opening its second Morgan Hill location in the former train depot building at the end of Third Street.
Owners Brett and Lynn Susidko, who have traveled around the world for business and pleasure, hope to have the store open by September. After bidding on the city owned property, Y’a Bon, which means “It is good,” was granted a lease to the facility.
“We feel there is always a need for a great quality product and service,” Brett Susidko said. “There is always room if you offer an upscale expresso bar with an eclectic menu. It is a little ways from the main downtown area, but we feel people will come over there. We will probably get some business from the train that goes through.”
The owners have been in Morgan Hill about seven years and are no strangers to commuting.
“I used to commute for years, going through the rat race and the late hours,” Susidko said. “We still put in long hours, but we enjoy it. There is a real sense of community here.”
Because the building is only 400 square feet, there is no room on the inside for tables and chairs. But there is a perfect shaded area in front. They want it to reflect the European style open air diners with umbrella covered tables. The owners also plan to add a separate pickup window.
“We want to make it a family orientated type of cafe,” Susidko said. “We will be adding awnings to give it that European touch. They will be the most visible improvement on the outside. The signage will be up the high standard of the new ordinance passed by the city.”
The building is next to new at-grade pedestrian crossing that runs along side the depot to make it easier and safer for people to cross over the tracks. It is also near the new courthouse that is scheduled to be built in the adjacent empty lot.
Susidko said he also hopes to have various national and international newspapers and magazines available for people to browse through with the morning coffee and beignets, which are French style donuts that are popular in the New Orleans area.
“We would like to have it serve as a visitor center with an international flavor,” Susidko said.
The menu will be similar to that of its main location in Cochrane Plaza with fresh pastries and sandwiches being served. Y’a Bon also offers chocolate truffles and classic Italian roasted coffee that is full-bodied and highly aromatic. Many different espressos and expresso type drinks are also offered.
The bistro style café in Cochrane Plaza is reminiscent of one that is found in France. The ambiance is warm, inviting and unique. Many home furnishings and accessories heavily influenced by France, Germany and Colonial American designs are for sale.
Y’a Bon is becoming known for its gumbo, a classic Creole spicy soup filled with vegetables, chicken, prawns and Andouille sausage in a dark roux. It is served each Friday of each month between October and April starting at noon, and it attracts people from San Jose who come down during their lunch break.
“In the Creole culture, people talk about food, chicory coffee, excellent pastries and beverages continuously,” Susidko said. “It is the essence of their soul.”
Plans are to open the new location for the early morning commute about 4:30 a.m. and close about 6 p.m. seven days a week.
“We think there is a lot of potential for growth,” Susidko said. “We are growing and always looking to hire more people.”
The Susidkos also hope to open eight to 10 more Y’a Bon stores outside Morgan Hill by 2006.
