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(+1) 916 514 0370Security Guard Company in Palo Alto, CA
In today's world, security is an essential component of life. For individuals, that could mean having a firearm available and a plan of action in place if a break-in or other criminal act occurs. Many business owners in California, however, need more than a simple plan. They need a reliable, proven security guard company in Palo Alto, CA, that can provide them with the armed or unarmed security needed to stay safe and keep criminals at bay. After all, the reality of running a successful business in California is that nefarious actors will do everything in their power to take what's yours. California's overall violent crime rate increased by 1.7%, from 495 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022 to 503 in 2023. While property crime fell marginally, violent crimes are up in just about every county of The Golden State.
The next minute, they're up at gunpoint and robbed outside of their storefront. At best, the individual loses money. At worst, they get injured or even die. We've all seen similar on the news. It makes sense, then, that more and more business owners and executives are relying on security guards to protect dispensaries, sporting events, concerts, corporate events, and more.
The peace of mind that comes from having security services is both immediate and enduring. There's simply no substitute for the physical and emotional reassurance of knowing that you are protected-whether it's yourself, your family, your valuables, or your business and its employees. Security officers play a crucial role in providing this sense of safety with their specialized skills, especially in tense or threatening situations. If you're looking for an industry-leading security guard company, look no further than Capital security guard.
- The Capital Security guard Difference
- Top 3 Reasons Why Customer Service is So Important for Security
- Security Guards for Events in Palo Alto, CA
- Security Guards for Cannabis Companies in Palo Alto, CA
- How Do Armed and Unarmed Security Guards Help Protect Your Cannabis Investment?
- How Do You Know if You Need Security Guards for Your Dispensary?
- Reliable Security Guard Protection is a Phone Call Away
- Security Guard Patrol is Just a Phone Call Away
6+ Years of Experiences2018 - 2024
The Capital Security guard Difference
Capital Security guard is the top choice for security services in California, and for good reason. We share your commitment to keeping our community safe. As your go-to security guard company, we offer foolproof executive protection, impenetrable capital security services, and the peace of mind that you and your business will remain safe.
Armed Security
Unarmed Security
Security Guards for Dispensaries in Palo Alto, CA
Security Guards for Events
Security Guards for Concerts
Security Guards for Sporting Events
Security Guards for Executives
Security Guards for Corporate Events
Security Guards for Hospitals
After-Hours Patrols and Alarm Response
Much More
Need to train new security guards or help implement an evacuation plan for your home or business? We can help with that too. Give our office a call today to learn more about the Capital Security guard difference.
Security Guards You Can Rely On
As one of the most trusted security guard companies in California, you can rest easy knowing we've got your back when you need us most. Like California Historical Landmark No 2 in San Francisco, we stand tall for our clients and make it a point to provide them with the most dependable, full-service security guard solutions available.
Our commercial and residential clients refer their friends and business connections to our security agency because they know we always:
Remain Calm and Stay in Control
Our security guards give you the confidence needed to run your business safely and safeguard your assets.
Have Eyes Everywhere
Nothing gets past our armed and unarmed security guards in California. Period.
Prioritize Privacy
When you're running a successful business or are trying to live in peace, privacy is paramount. That's why we make every effort to help you feel secure, safe, and protected while keeping your privacy top-of-mind.
Use Innovative Security Strategies
Our impenetrable security and strategy solutions don't just deter criminals and bad-faith actors - they prevent crime from happening in the first place.
Provide Dependable Protection
We know you want to protect yourself, your business, and your quality of life. We're here to help ensure that happens 24/7, 365 days a year.
Flexible & Responsive
We believe customer service and ongoing communication are key aspects of providing you with a safe environment. In fact, our security guards make it a point to work with your environment, whether it's residential, commercial, industrial, or something in the entertainment industry. That way, you can do what you need to do to keep being successful while we provide you with full security coverage.
Need to train new security guards or help implement an evacuation plan for your home or business? We can help with that too. Give our office a call today to learn more about the Capital Security guard difference.
Highly Trained Professionals
Capital Security guard only employs the best of the best when it comes to unarmed and armed security. In fact, each security guard we hire is trained specifically to remain vigilant and to keep you safe. Every team member at our security guard company in citname, CA, is carefully screened. We hire only the most conscientious and professional candidates before sending them through our vigorous training program.
Our unique security training program includes:
- Use of Force Training
- Firearms Training
- Oral Communication Skills
- Protocol and Strategies for Reporting Suspicious Activity or Persons
Top 3 Reasons Why Customer Service is So Important for Security
One of the reasons why so many clients choose Capital Security guard over other security guard companies in Palo Alto, CA, is that we put a strong emphasis on customer service. We provide exceptional service not only from our office when clients call but also in the field when our security guards are at work. Here are three ways that our security guards use customer service to create safer environments.
1. Clear Communication
An important aspect of excellent customer service involves cultivating robust communication skills. Security personnel frequently engage with both employees and co-workers. A competent security guard needs to communicate effectively with individuals across various organizational levels, ranging from entry-level staff to the company's president or owner.
2. Staying Calm in Contentious Situations
Customer service skills are essential for effectively resolving conflicts, particularly for security guards who often face high-pressure situations. Their ability to remain calm and communicate clearly can significantly influence the outcome of these encounters. That's why our security guard company in Palo Alto, CA instructs security guards to implement de-escalation techniques. This approach equips them to handle disputes in a manner that reduces tension and fosters cooperation. By doing so, we ensure that potentially challenging situations are addressed swiftly and amicably.
3. Positive Public Impressions
When security guards excel in customer service, they become true ambassadors for the companies they represent. At Capital Security guard, our security guards recognize that they play an important role in shaping how the public views our clients' businesses and properties. Whether it's guiding a visitor to their destination or calmly managing a challenging situation, delivering excellent customer service makes clients and visitors feel both welcomed and valued.
Now that you know more about our security guard company and what sets us apart from others in our field, you're probably anxious to learn about our areas of focus. While we offer a wide range of services, from crowd control and alarm response to access control and perimeter security, some of our most popular services are included below.
Security Guards for Events in Palo Alto, CA
When you're looking for the best steak in town, you don't go by your local fast-food joint and expect to get anything great. Instead, you go to Protg in Palo Alto, CA. When you're looking for a large event to attend, you don't go to a small city in California - you go to LA.
From Coachella to the Academy Awards, Los Angeles and the greater California have more high-profile events than there are palm trees. If you're a guest, your goal is to enjoy the event without worrying about potential threats. On the other hand, if you're an organizer, your priority is to ensure that the event is safeguarded from nefarious individuals and criminal activities. And that, in a nutshell, encapsulates why event organizers hire professional security guard companies like Capital Security guard. Our security guards are specially trained to handle large crowds at events and know precisely how to manage situations to prevent panic from breaking out.
Below are a few of the basic measures that we take at Capital Security guard for event security:
- Each security guard for your event is well trained in how to enforce the appropriate safety and security measures in place.
- All staff are expertly trained to provide medical assistance or contact the appropriate third party.
- All security personnel understand your venue's layout, emergency exit locations, and possible wrong points of entry.
To enhance your event security, we'll first assess the level of security required for your event. Striking the right balance is crucial; while excessive security can make guests feel uneasy, insufficient measures may leave them vulnerable.
- Security Guards for Sporting Events
- Security Guards for Concerts
- Security Guards for Corporate Events
- Security Guards for Business Conferences
- Security Guards for Enthusiast Events Like Comic Con
- More
If you're unsure what type of security you might need for your event, try reaching out to organizations that have hosted similar events to gain insight from their experiences. You can also consult with an event security company like Capital Security guard, which can provide you with a full picture of what to expect. We collaborate with all event performers who hire us. That way, we can identify your security needs and provide you with armed or unarmed guards to keep your event safe.
Security Guards for Cannabis Companies in Palo Alto, CA
Running a cannabis dispensary can be both hugely rewarding and sketchy. While there's a huge demand for legally grown cannabis, those who own and operate the stores that sell the plant are often at risk. We're talking vandalism, theft, assault, and other crimes that threaten both customers and employees.
While investing in high-quality security systems can help address these issues, they don't always reduce the likelihood of repeat offenses. This brings us to an important question: Should you hire a security guard for your cannabis dispensary? The short answer is yes. That's true even if you're working there on a daily basis. Why? The truth is that it's very difficult to prevent theft entirely.
Failure to take security measures in your dispensary seriously can lead to significant losses, which can happen quickly. With the increase in daytime crime, potential thieves can easily enter your property and steal products - and that's just the start.
How Do Armed and Unarmed Security Guards Help Protect Your Cannabis Investment?
Well-trained security guards play a pivotal role in preventing the theft of money and property at your dispensary. They help reduce vandalism and protect against assaults. A guard is skilled in spotting suspicious behavior and addressing potential issues before they escalate. It's important to note that criminals are often deterred by the presence of armed security personnel. Plus, because guards collaborate with local law enforcement, it becomes easier to resolve any crimes that may occur at your cannabis store.
Unlike security cameras, guards provide a more effective visual deterrent. They ensure that everyone adheres to the established rules and regulations. Any misconduct by employees or customers can have serious repercussions for your cannabis dispensary. A trained guard not only prevents unwanted behavior but can also take disciplinary measures or legal action if required.
How Do You Know if You Need Security Guards for Your Dispensary?
If you own a cannabis shop in California, chances are you've worked long hours and invested a lot of money into making it successful. But that success can come at a steep price, especially when criminals see what you're selling. Sure, you've installed locks on your doors and taken basic steps to prevent crime. But modern-day criminals are savvy and know how to get around standard types of security. That's where security guards for cannabis growers in Palo Alto, CA, start to make a lot of sense.
Keep the following red flags in mind. If your dispensary is growing, it could be time to hire security.
- Quick Growth or Increase in Income
- High Foot Traffic
- Lots of Public Exposure and Media Attention
- Location of Your Cannabis Company
- Physical Accessibility
Reliable Security Guard Protection is a Phone Call Away
If you're wondering whether a security guard is appropriate for your needs, call our office today. We'll take as much time as needed to learn about your challenges, goals, and overall needs. Once we know more about your situation, we can offer viable security guard for consideration.
When you're a high-level executive or celebrity, living a normal life can be hard. It's not like you can wake up and decide to go to Mitchell Park in San Francisco without people noticing - and that's incredibly frustrating. Luckily, you can still do normal things that average people do - but you may have to take a few additional steps to make sure you and your family are safe.
At Capital Security guard, we recognize that each executive client has needs as unique as the threats they encounter. That's why we focus on delivering an elite level of personalized executive protection services for high-profile individuals. Our approach ensures top-notch protection that seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle while respecting your security and privacy preferences.
Whether you require round-the-clock security or need bodyguard services for a specific event, our highly-trained team of executive security professionals is equipped with the expertise and skills necessary to exceed your expectations. This commitment provides you with peace of mind, allowing you to feel secure while living life on your own terms.
Some of the top benefits of executive security from Capital Security guard include:
- Having a security team for a CEO or other executive can free up time and reduce the amount of energy spent on security-related incidents.
- Executive security from a firm like Capital Security guard can protect organizations and individuals from hazards like cyber threats, physical threats, and reputational threats.
- Bringing in a team of executive security can improve a company's reputation and send a signal to investors, partners, and clients that the company is trustworthy.
- Executive security guards help reduce the chances of being physically assaulted in public.
- Executive security can also help you address ongoing personal security and privacy issues.
Security Guard Patrol is Just a Phone Call Away
If you've been searching endlessly for "security guards for hire near me in Palo Alto, CA," all that time and effort has paid off. With decades of combined experience, Capital Security guard has assembled a team of expert security guards dedicated to delivering solutions that surpass industry benchmarks. Whether you need security guards for a local event or protection for a high-profile individual, our security guard company is equipped to provide you with trustworthy protection in The Golden State and beyond. Contact our headquarters today to learn more about how our armed and unarmed guards can meet your goals and adapt visibility to fit your unique environment.
What clients say about Us!
unarmed security for J C
patrol services for Wesley Samms
alarm response for Leo Romero
cannabis security for CASA de ESPAÑOL
live video monitoring for OSHIMA
security trailers for Hayk Hayko
security plans for MAP Training
cannabis compliance for Charlie Marano
Armed security for Jehan Zohrab
unarmed security for Michael Mui
patrol services for Mr. Security Camera
Contact Us Now!
Latest News in Palo Alto, CA
Community Development Block Grant
cityofpaloalto.orghttps://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Housing-Policies-Projects/Community-Development-Block-Grant
The City of Palo Alto receives funds annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, providing funding to organizations through a competitive application process to implement activities, projects, and programs benefiting low-and moderate-income persons and community development needs. Examples of activities funded through the CDBG program include case management services to secure affordable housing and employment, fair housing services, emp...
The City of Palo Alto receives funds annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, providing funding to organizations through a competitive application process to implement activities, projects, and programs benefiting low-and moderate-income persons and community development needs. Examples of activities funded through the CDBG program include case management services to secure affordable housing and employment, fair housing services, employment training, senior daycare, and housing rehabilitation.
Current CDBG Program Activities
The City undertakes many CDBG program activities throughout the year. If you have comments or questions on the CDBG program, the City's CDBG program consultant is Austin Knudsen who may be contacted via email at CDBG.Support@cityofpaloalto.org. Comments or questions may also be mailed to the City at the following address: Planning and Development Services/CDBG, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301.
The City of Palo Alto is initiating its CDBG Program Year 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP) preparation process. As a first step toward preparing the AAP, the City has released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for its CDBG Program Year 2025-2026 funding allocation. Applicants can apply for CDBG funding through January 10, 2025. Applications will be reviewed by the Human Relations Commission (HRC), with recommendations advanced for City Council consideration and selection, prioritizing alignment with the needs and goals outlined in the CDBG 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan. Funded projects, activities, and programs will be incorporated into the final CDBG Program Year 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan.
To submit applications for CDBG Program Year 2025-2026, gain an application and other resources in the following Application Packet: CDBG Program Year 2025-2026 Application Packet(PDF, 1MB)
The City of Palo Alto invites organizations to submit applications for the following categories:
The City estimates distributing $500,000 in CDBG funds and $100,000 in Program Income for Program Year 2025-2026.
Pre-Proposal Conference: A Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, via a Teams meeting. All proposers intending to submit an application are encouraged to attend this virtual Pre-Proposal Conference.
Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/25-26CDBGNOFA Meeting ID: 271 176 479 280 Passcode: Bj9dq9wu Join by Phone: +1 650-761-6432 Phone Conference ID: 891 515 759#
Application Deadline: The application is due by 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 10, 2025, to Austin Knudsen, CDBG Consultant, via email at CDBG.Support@cityofpaloalto.org. For questions or additional information about the pre-proposal conference, application, or application submission process, contact Austin Knudsen, CDBG Consultant, via email or at (916) 231-2231.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services in using City facilities, services, or programs, or who would like information on the City’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact the ADA Coordinator, City of Palo Alto, at (650) 329-2550 (Voice) or ada@cityofpaloalto.org.
The City submitted its FY 2023-2024 (Program Year 2023) Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to HUD by the required September 28, 2024 deadline and is awaiting confirmation of acceptance. This report reviews the City’s CDBG accomplishments from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 and the expenditures for the FY 2023-2024 (Program Year 2023) CDBG funding cycle. The 15-day public review and comment period on the FY 2023-2024 Draft CAPER began on August 29, 2024 and ended on September 12, 2024. The HRC held a public hearing on the FY 2023-2024 Draft CAPER on September 12, 2024.
The City of Palo Alto submitted its CDBG Program Year/Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Action Plan (AAP) to HUD in July 2024. The City is currently awaiting HUD final approval of the AAP. The AAP contains the projects, programs, and activities that the City plans to fund through CDBG and CDBG CARES Act (CDBG-CV) funds allocated to the City by HUD.
HUD requires the City to create a five-year Consolidated Plan to direct and allocate CDBG funds. In partnership with Santa Clara County and additional County jurisdictions, the City will kick off preparation of the City’s 5-Year 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan soon. Preparation is based upon a community-oriented participatory process to identify the specific goals and priority needs for where CDBG funds will be allocated during the five year time frame from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2030.
Visit the County’s website for more information about this process and sign up for upcoming virtual public workshops.
Additional Information
Tsunami warning spawned by NorCal quake canceled
Embarcadero Media staffhttps://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2024/12/05/northern-california-quake-spawns-tsunami-warning/
An estimated 7.0-magnitude earthquake was reported off the coast of Humboldt County on Thursday morning, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a tsunami warning for coastal parts of the Bay Area. The warning was canceled at around 12 p.m., according to the NWS.“The tsunami Warning is canceled for the coastal areas of California and Oregon. No tsunami danger presently exists for this area,” the a...
An estimated 7.0-magnitude earthquake was reported off the coast of Humboldt County on Thursday morning, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a tsunami warning for coastal parts of the Bay Area. The warning was canceled at around 12 p.m., according to the NWS.
“The tsunami Warning is canceled for the coastal areas of California and Oregon. No tsunami danger presently exists for this area,” the agency posted on X. “This will be the final U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center message for this event. Refer to http://tsunami.gov for more information.”
The 7.0 quake at 10:44 a.m. was followed by an estimated 5.8-magnitude quake a few minutes later near Cobb in Lake County, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The tsunami warning issued by the weather service was in effect from the area of Davenport in Santa Cruz County up into Oregon. At around 11:30 a.m., meteorologists from the NWS were awaiting updates on wave predictions and observations, but none had arrived.
The NWS had said the brunt of any tsunami activity was expected to hit the San Francisco area at around 12:10 p.m., but come noon, the alert was canceled.
Dalton Behringer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, confirmed that the tsunami warning was issued based on information from the Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, but has now been canceled. He went on to say that no significant tsunami activity occurred, although it’s possible that buoys and sensitive instruments may have seen slight variations, but not at a level a person would notice.
He added that based on what’s known at this point, it doesn’t appear that the earthquake was the type that would cause a large tsunami. He said that the quake’s movement appeared to be side-to-side, rather than thrusting upwards.
Anyone within the tsunami warning area, which included the Peninsula and East Bay, was told evacuate away from tsunami hazard zones or to upper floors of buildings near the coast, the NWS warning stated. That had an immediate effect across the Bay Area, as transit agencies canceled trains, the San Francisco Zoo evacuated and schools on the Coastside began initiating tsunami protocols. Palo Alto officials said there did not appear to be any immediate safety concerns in the city and no evacuations were necessary.
BART was holding trains outside of the Transbay Tube and clearing trains out of underground stations in San Francisco and on the Peninsula, according to social media posts from the transit agency. BART policy is to resume train service once it is deemed safe, the agency says.
“Move out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets,” the warning stated. The NWS also warned against going toward shore to observe a tsunami when a warning is issued.
During tsunami warnings, people located in coastal areas should move to higher ground, away from beaches, harbors and marinas, reiterated Charles Harris, the spokesperson for the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management. People should not go towards the coast to watch a potential tsunami, Harris added. He encouraged people to sign up for Alert SCC at alertscc.org, to get any updates from the county.
This story will be updated with more information.
Nutcracker Sweet with the Puppet Company
Darcy Rindthttps://patch.com/california/paloalto/calendar/event/20241201/95b4332f-62b3-400f-aabb-afc3bb25779f/nutcracker-sweet-with-the-puppet-company
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Palo Alto|Local EventSun, Dec 1, 2024 at 3:30 PMMitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303More info hereO...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Palo Alto|Local Event
- Sun, Dec 1, 2024 at 3:30 PM
- Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303
- More info here
Oakland Fairyland’s beloved puppeteers team up with the SFCO for a delightful version of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic. Designed for young audiences, this production features the acrobatic antics of The Puppet Company’s miniature cast accompanied by the SFCO performing highlights from this beloved ballet.
SFCO concerts are always Admission Free!
More Upcoming Events
Local Event
Dec4
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley presents "Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley"
Wednesday, 8:00 pmPalo Alto, CA
Local Event
Dec5
Winter Festival Grand Opening Party
Thursday, 5:30 pmPalo Alto, CA
Local Event
Dec5
The Polyphony Quartet in Concert
Thursday, 7:30 pmPalo Alto, CA
Local Event
Dec5
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley presents "Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley"
Thursday, 8:00 pmPalo Alto, CA
Local Event
Dec6
Winter Festival Marketplace
Friday, 10:00 amPalo Alto, CA
Local Event
Dec6
Winter Festival Holiday Tea
Friday, 11:30 amPalo Alto, CA
‘Next Level Chef’ winner Tucker Ricchio to open fine dining restaurant Lira in Campbell
Adrienne Mitchelhttps://www.paloaltoonline.com/food/2024/11/27/next-level-chef-winner-tucker-ricchio-to-open-fine-dining-restaurant-lira-in-campbell/
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Bay Area native Tucker Ricchio won the heart of Gordon Ramsay under his mentorship on “Next Level Chef.” Soon, she may win the hearts of many more with her debut restaurant, Lira.Anticipated to open Dec. 18 in Campbell, Lira is a modern fine dining establishment serving new American cuisine and craft cocktails. Diners can expect small and...
| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
Bay Area native Tucker Ricchio won the heart of Gordon Ramsay under his mentorship on “Next Level Chef.” Soon, she may win the hearts of many more with her debut restaurant, Lira.
Anticipated to open Dec. 18 in Campbell, Lira is a modern fine dining establishment serving new American cuisine and craft cocktails. Diners can expect small and large plates, recommended for sharing, featuring global flavors and seasonal and local ingredients. For drinks, find cocktails featuring gastronomic techniques, over 20 taps of craft beer, wine and a zero-proof program.
“Lira is not just, ‘Hey, I’m going to go out to dinner tonight,’” Ricchio said. “Lira is an experience. So from the moment you walk into this door, you’re just gonna feel like it’s a celebration, like you are here to be served, like that everything’s gonna be taken care of.”
The inspiration behind Lira stems from Ricchio’s travels, and the first menu (menus will change every three to four months to reflect seasonality) will have Japanese and Italian influence, among others, Ricchio said. The name Lira is a nod to Ricchio’s first time travelling abroad – when her grandmother gave her a bag of lira to spend in Italy.
“Lira, for me, encompasses a love of exploring, a love of travel, a love of food and bringing that all back to where I love, my home, the Bay Area,” Ricchio said.
Ricchio grew up in San Jose, pursuing a career in medicine before watching San Francisco’s Dominique Crenn on Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” and deciding to switch careers to culinary. After graduating culinary school, she worked at San Francisco restaurants such as Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters, two Michelin-starred Acquerello, and Michael Mina’s Pabu. Post-pandemic she focused on teaching virtual classes through Truffle Shuffle, an Oakland-based brand that won an investment on “Shark Tank.”
Then in 2021, a recruiter from “Next Level Chef” encouraged Ricchio to apply, and she began filming the following year, joining Gordon Ramsay’s team and ultimately winning the show, taking home a cash prize of $250,000 and a one-year mentorship with Ramsay, Richard Blais and Nyesha Arrington.
“Chef Ramsay is a very tough critic, but he is an amazing, talented person, and he was very inspirational in forming some of my newly acquired skills,” Ricchio said. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Chef Ramsay is that consistency and excellence are very important.”
One home viewer of “Next Level Chef,” Faisal Gowani, was particularly impressed with Ricchio. A San Jose native as well, he was struck by her kindness and impressive culinary skills – so much so that he decided that she would be the perfect executive chef for his debut restaurant.
“If you watch the whole season, she’s helpful to other people,” Gowani said. “She’s a good-natured person. She just all together makes me feel warm and gooey. And I’m like, ‘Dude, I want to work with that person.’”
With a background in the retail liquor store business, Gowani had a strong urge to enter the restaurant hospitality scene. He and his friend Zak Smith had secured a lease pre-pandemic for a rooftop restaurant space in San Francisco, but they ultimately walked out of the deal.
“I just hadn’t gotten over the fact that I really wanted to open a restaurant,” Gowani said. “I wanted to be in the hospitality space. I wanted to create some magic and some experiences for people.”
After her winning victory on “Next Level Chef,” Ricchio didn’t have an interest in returning to the restaurant industry, instead focusing on bolstering her private chef business and hosting pop-ups. But ultimately, Gowani and Smith’s offer was too good to pass up, she said.
“Everybody goes into life with a plan, and sometimes, life has other plans for you,” Ricchio said. “So when an opportunity like this comes along, just don’t say no.”
So the trio searched for the perfect spot for Lira, ultimately settling on the location which formerly held Flights Campbell. The space is already transformed with new paint, floors, art and bar and a reorganized kitchen. Lira will offer lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, as well as happy hour from 2-6 p.m. on weekdays with exclusive cocktails.
“I cannot wait to feed them,” Ricchio said. “If they’ve seen me on TV, they know that I love sharing food. I love building community, and I think that food is love. So come on in, feel the love, and you’re gonna leave, hopefully, super happy, and I can’t wait to show you what we’ve created here. It’s gonna be awesome.”
Lira Restaurant, 368 E Campbell Ave., Campbell; Instagram: @lira_restaurant_.
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Adrienne MitchelFood Editor
Adrienne Mitchel is the Food Editor at Embarcadero Media. As the Peninsula Foodist, she's always on the hunt for the next food story (and the next bite to eat!). Adrienne received a BFA in Broadcast...
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