June 1, 2008

Willow Glen’s Four Corners

Lincoln, Curtner intersection becomes flurry of activity

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Staff Writer

Just a few short years ago the intersection of Lincoln and Curtner was not a destination of choice for businesses. Now it’s a flurry of activity.

Family affair: Eric Hassett, Richard Hasset and Larry Hassett recently opened the doors to their third Bay Area Ace Hardware at the corner of Lincoln and Curtner Avenues. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

Once vacant buildings are brimming with new merchants and shops. One thing is common with all the owners; they love their customers and their location in Willow Glen.

“We’ve made so many friends in Willow Glen,” said Elva Acevedo who, with husband Frank, opened Elva’s Coffee Stop in December 2004. “It is literally like people coming to our home. We’re a very family oriented shop. We are so blessed.”

The community spirit at Elva’s is evident. Photographs of smiling customers and locals’ business cards line the walls. It’s a family atmosphere where everybody knows your name.

“It’s our favorite spot,” said Jim Medeiros who stops by frequently with his wife, Ronnah. “I’m in here everyday.”
Elva’s serves top quality coffees, pastries, sandwiches, salads, soups, empanadas and other fine foods. Panini sandwiches are among the favorites as are the bacon or chorizo burritos. The assortment of French pastries delivered daily are the perfect accompaniment to the rich coffees like white mocha, gingerbread or vanilla latte served hot and cold. Elva even caters fruit, vegetable, meat and cheese platters for events. And, there’s also ice cream for the kids.

Besides the scrumptious eats, the Acevedos’ who reside in nearby Cambrian Park, are avid community supporters. Elva plans to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer “Team Willow Glen.” While she pledged to raise $1,800, she’s already doubled the amount with hopes to raise a lot more before the July 12-13 event.

No wonder Elva’s Coffee Stop has been on several Best of Willow Glen lists as well as receiving the Best Small Business of the Year award from Assemblyman Jim Beall.

And the Acevedo’s community involvement is evident. She has her hair done next door at Salon Rain and recommends Taqueria Tlaquepague Authentic Mexican Food, the locals rave about their food, in the same strip mall.
Many customers enjoy a cup of java and a stuffed Danish while having their car smogged or serviced at the 76 Test Only on the corner. She’s equally excited about the new Ace Hardware, which recently opened diagonal to her coffee shop.

Elva’s Coffee Shop owner Elva Acevedo and barista Carlos Ochoa keep customers coming back for more with great coffee, food and friendship.

In fact, Ace Hardware is the newest addition to the four corners. The store celebrated its grand opening May 17 -18. Once a Goodwill Store, the building also has housed an antique store and a used furniture store.

The Hassett family, which owns the new Ace Hardware, is third generation hardware business owners. Grandfather Bob Hassett opened the first store in Campbell in 1957 at Hamilton and Meridian. Brothers Eric and Richard remember sorting nuts and bolts as kids. Their father Larry created a hardware empire of three stores in Palo Alto, Half Moon Bay and now Willow Glen.

“Each store is independently owned and operated, so every Ace Hardware is different,” said Larry Hassett. “Each owner puts their stamp on it.”

The stamp on the new Four Corners Ace Hardware is a certified green business. And the Hassett family offers options of non-toxic green products for customers besides competitively priced customary home repair and improvement supplies.

“Dad provides the vision for the store,” said Eric Hassett who oversees all three of the family stores. Youngest son Richard manages the new Willow Glen store.

Their vision is to leave the earth better for the next generation. A walk through the 9,000-square foot facility finds no plastic bags of screws but containers holding each different size; there also are Caldrea, Holy Cow, Murphy Oil Soap and a variety of non-toxic cleaning and gardening supplies for green thumb enthusiasts and high quality paints that don’t pollute. Customers that bring their own bags provide a five-cent donation to local schools. And the knowledgeable and service oriented employees live within walking or bicycling distance.

“I love going to work each day,” said Richard Hassett, 27. “All of are customers say they live right around the block. We’ve had overwhelming support from them. It’s a great job. No two days are the same and you help people.”

Down the street, Strada Salon and Day Spa greets clients with a Tuscany inspired park complete with a water fountain and gorgeous interior. Even the name strada translates from Italian to road, path, or way, which two-year owner Jennifer Hood and her team of hair stylists, estheticians, and masseuse and Reiki master provide in the getaway haven to pamper away the stresses of daily life. Strada specializes in facials, massage, waxing, hair extensions, highlights, color, advanced haircuts and their latest service: teeth whitening.

Strada Salon and Day Spa owner Jennifer Hood, right center, with some of her talented staff Charisse, Jan, Taylor, Karen, Danielle and Jamie. Photo courtesy of Strada Salon and Day Spa

Hood admits that opening Strada was a learning experience, but the dream of her own spa kept her focus on the remodeling the interior and exterior, which was previously a roofing company, and attracting the best estheticians and hair stylists.

Nowadays, the salon has many clients from not only from Willow Glen, but beyond the neighborhood as well. The spa offers A Day at Strada, which includes a one-hour rejuvenation facial, photo facial, a half hour Swedish massage and a wash and style.

It provides consult, hair and wedding services for brides and bridesmaids to keep the wedding party stress free. And many neighbors stop by to say hello to the staff or to rest at the park bench and enjoy the gardens and grape vines in the park area.

But Hood has another goal: “I want to give back.” She’d like to start a non-profit wig salon for cancer patients providing privacy and dignity from hair loss usually resulting from chemotherapy treatment. And with her steadfast determination, that day will probably be very soon.

“I wanted to provide a relaxing spa experience in Willow Glen,” said Hood, an astute professional who raised four boys, the youngest now 20. “It has been my hometown for a longtime—I went to school here, Markham and Willow Glen High. You can leave Willow Glen, but you always come back. It’s a very special place.”