Serving 1,500 to 2,000 customers per day since it opened on Dec. 6, 2002, it seems as though the economic downturn has spared the city's 2-month-old business.

"So far our biggest problem is parking," said Mark Lavoie, general manager of BJ's.

According to Lavoie, BJ's ingredients for success are great food and friendly service, as well as well-equipped banquet facilities.

Located at 10690 N. De Anza Blvd., the Cupertino BJ's is one of the newest branches of Chicago Pizza & Brewery Inc., which currently operates more than 30 BJ's restaurants in six western states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon and Texas.

Although it is well-known for its deep-dish, Chicago-style pizzas, BJ's offers a variety of menu choices. According to Lavoie, some of its most celebrated items include BJ's own specialty beer, bruschetta and the BJ's Famous Pizookie dessert, a warm cookie topped with vanilla bean ice cream.

"We brew our own beer in our restaurants that have a brewery," Lavoie said. "We don't have a brewery here, just a brewhouse for beer storage."

Its family-oriented atmosphere also plays an important role in the establishment's operations.

"It's like a family here," explained Lavoie, who has been with the company for three years. "We serve everyone, from business professionals to families with children and grandparents. When people are bringing their families in, you know you have a winning formula."

Cupertino residents Lawrence and Jennifer Morris enjoy eating at BJ's.

"I love the Pizookie dessert," Lawrence said. "It's delicious. And the service is great here."

The 8,500-square-foot restaurant, which has a seating capacity of 500, features a full-service bar, an indoor dining section and heated outdoor seating areas.

Another feature that sets BJ's apart from many area restaurants is its fully equipped banquet facilities. With the capacity to handle large parties of 20 guests or more, Lavoie believes that BJ's is an ideal place for company meetings and private parties.

"We have served parties of 20, 50 and even 100 guests," he said. "Not many venues can provide this service."

Besides its food and service, BJ's also serves the community by participating in various charitable projects.

According to Lavoie, before it opened, the restaurant held a community event and raised $30,000 for cystic fibrosis. In addition, BJ's is working with local nonprofit organizations and school districts to plan future charitable programs.

"It's just the right thing to do," Lavoie said. "It's a great community, and we want to do what we can to contribute."