Parking still a concern at Cherry Orchard Center
By Jana Seshadri
Scarce parking seems to be the major issue with which store owners and customers are contending in Sunnyvale's new Cherry Orchard Center. But parking problems did not deter more than 400 people from enjoying the center's grand opening celebration on April 25.
Marie Boyd, a Sunnyvale resident since 1941, did not have to worry about parking.
"I can walk here from where I live," Boyd said, adding she frequently does.
Crowds of people flock to the center for many reasons. Located at the intersection of West El Camino Real and Mathilda Avenue--one of the city's main intersections--the center also houses several designer stores and restaurants of nationwide acclaim.
James Deal, general manager of Borders Books & Music, admits that parking has been the main challenge for him.
Borders is part of a nationwide chain that opened its doors to the Sunnyvale public last November. With special services like the children's reading hour and the cafe in the store, Borders attracts people of all ages.
Ever since opening its doors to the public last September, P. F. Chang's China Bistro has been doing great business.
The restaurant usually has long lines of customers waiting to enjoy the food. Like the name suggests, the bistro fuses traditional cuisine with a modern atmosphere, Sher said.
"It's been great--we love it here," said Bob Fogel, store manager of Sprint PCS.
Steve Young, a former quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers, was present for the store's grand opening.
There were free product samplings and demonstrations and live music, including strolling guitarists and jazz combos. Suzi Blackman, president and CEO of the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce, presided over the prize drawing, in which stores in the center gave away prizes. Sunnyvale Mayor Fred Fowler, accompanied by Vice Mayor Julia Miller and city council members Pat Vorreiter and Tim Risch, attended the event.
C. J. Olson Cherries, which has sold cherries since 1899, is in the process of moving into its brand-new cherry stand in about a month. The business' decades-old cherry stand was torn down a few months ago to make way for the new stand. Continuing to do business from a temporary location in the center, C. J. Olson gave out free samples of its many products.
"We love it here in this center," said sisters Jessica and Erma Campbell, who've lived in Sunnyvale for 20 years.
Owned by the Irvine Company, based in southern California, and managed by Madison Marquette Retail Services, the Cherry Orchard Center is almost completely occupied by businesses and restaurants, except for a couple of vacant spots.
Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
