The Nov. 10 opening of the establishment on Lincoln Avenue formerly known as The Glen created quite a stir even before it turned on its new lights.

Willow Glen resident Robb Browne walked into the establishment prior to its opening and talked with the manager, Vic Saraniti.

"I walk in as a single guy and he's telling me about Beaver Shots and Beaver Spread and trying to sell me," says Browne, who adds he would never bring his wife and 2-year-old daughter. "It's totally appalling. It's not consistent with the neighborhood values."

Browne says the sexual innuendo of the name Beavers "is not acceptable in a small, close-knit community like Willow Glen."

When asked about the connotation, Saraniti said, "It's a good name. People think of the bad name, but it isn't. People have dirty minds."

A flurry of activity on the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association's elist about concerns that the place would be like a Hooter's—a restaurant catering to an adult crowd—had the association's president, Helen Solinski, disappointed that no one brought up the topic at the organization's Nov. 12 general meeting.

"I'm disappointed with the turnout, considering we had about 50 emails in the last two days," Solinski says. "We had the planning department and our city councilperson here tonight—what more could you ask for? I'd like to see people in Willow Glen get involved. They can't leave it all to the neighborhood association."

Solinski said the association's board has not met to discuss the business because of its recent development and conflicting stories.

"I can't speak for the board, but I don't agree with the name," she said. "But we'll have to wait and see, I'm not going to judge it before we know."

Owner John Karamanos said the prices at his previous restaurant, The Glen, "were too high in this economy."

"People didn't want a Glen," Karamanos said. "It's going to be like an Applebee's menu."

When asked why he had said that The Glen was only closed for periodic maintenance for more than a month, he said, "We were still going back and forth if we were going to change it."

According to Karamanos, the impetus for changing the upscale restaurant and pool hall to a bar and grill was based on a San Jose Redevelopment Agency study done this summer. He said the study polled residents about business and found that "what the majority of people want is reasonable prices and a place that stays open later," he said.

Councilman Ken Yeager said the study "did not make any recommendation either way on late-night usage. I don't see the tie-in with the redevelopment agency study," he said. Yeager said he does not believe Karamanos attended any meetings. Like any other food and beverage establishment, it can stay open until midnight, he said.

At press time, Karamanos had not applied for a conditional-use permit for entertainment with the city's planning department.

But Saraniti said music would be an important part of the ambiance with the introduction of theme nights.

"It sounded fun, with '70s and '80s music nights," said Ellen Santomauro, who was told by Saraniti that the place would not be raunchy. "But kids only eat free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays," she added.

Saraniti said the target age of the crowd was 27 and up.

"We want to bring people back who used to come," he said, adding that they added a bar upstairs and would still have pool tournaments.

Brian Smith said he thought The Glen "sounded somewhat staid," but that the name choice of Beavers "was unfortunate because of the rampant Beavers/Hooters association."

Smith said he was more likely to visit Beavers Bar and Grill than The Glen because of the lower prices, but it would depend on the quality of their food and service.

"If they're trying to do a Northwest theme, it's poor marketing," Stuart Moore said. "But I can't imagine they mean anything else than what they mean. The sign makes it look like a nightclub."

Karamanos said people "must have their mind in the gutter. That's what's great about free enterprise. The market will tell. People will come for great prices and great service."

Willow Glen Business and Professional Association President Cara Finn said, "We generally have not made comments when businesses change. It's all in the execution, not in the name. The neighbors will vote with their feet and their money. Their voice will always be heard."