Photograph by George Sakkestad
Towne Oak Supper Club owner Jack Cooper presents a toast in front of his restaurant's indoor oak tree.
By DANTHANH HUYNH
Although the Towne Oak Supper Club is elegantly decorated in 1940s style, its patrons don't represent its classic image. In fact ,this restaurant feeds the high-tech movers and shakers of Silicon Valley. Networking, employee exchanges and business discussions happen here during frequent power lunches and dinners.
"This is a popular spot for CEOs," said Jack Cooper, the restaurant's owner. "They come here to rub elbows, make contacts and discuss business. Everyone knows each other on a first-name basis."
Because it has no windows and the atmosphere is dimmed, Towne Oak radiates intimacy and warmth. Candlelight settings, antique furnishings and lavish oil paintings give the restaurant a sophisticated appeal.
Built around an ancient oak tree, the restaurant also generates spirits of nature.
"I had one guy who stood in front of the tree and extended his arms out, trying to feel its energy," Cooper recalled.
The restaurant serves everything from prime rib to Chicago-style pepper steak, pasta and seafood. The average lunch plate costs $8-$9, and dinner runs from $16 to $20 a plate.
At night, Towne Oak comes alive with music, dancing and live entertainment. On Fridays, a DJ spins music from the '40s through the '90s, and salsa and merengue dancing takes place on Saturday nights. There's also a sports bar and happy hours on Monday through Friday, complete with live entertainment and a complimentary buffet.
William B. Hugle, president of Hugle Lithography, Inc. in Sunnyvale, has been dining at Towne Oak since it opened in 1965. Today his children and grandchildren are also patrons. Hugle doesn't remember any famous movie stars that may have dropped by, but he said most of the celebrities of Silicon Valley have dined at Towne Oak.
"A lot of people who found the semiconductor industry passed through here," Hugle said. "They were prominent, rich and made their money here. They probably had more money than movie stars."
Hugle added that some of these high-tech big shots have since retired, moved away or passed away. However, the new generation of executives, manufacturers and engineers will call this restaurant their social hideaway and mingle over fine wine and food.
Towne Oak Supper Club, Town & Country Village, Sunnyvale. Hours: Monday, noon-3 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, January 29, 1997.
©1997 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.