Struggling to Survive: The Trigg Family’s Fight to Save Their Japantown Businesses Amid Financial Turmoil
Japantown Businesses Face Closure Amid Financial Struggles
San Jose, CA — In a heartbreaking turn of events for San Jose’s historic Japantown, Jordan Trigg and his wife, Rina, have announced the closure of two beloved establishments, Jtown Pizza Co. and Spread Deli, as they grapple with the fallout from an ambitious expansion plan gone awry.
“We made some bad decisions. We could have made some better ones,” Jordan Trigg reflected on Friday, just two days after shuttering Jtown Pizza Co., a vibrant eatery that had served the community for six years. The couple, who own four businesses in the area, now face the daunting task of trying to keep their remaining establishments afloat.
The Triggs’ troubles began in 2022 when they purchased three parcels on East Taylor Street, including the former Cielito Lindo restaurant, with plans to renovate and expand. However, complications arose when they discovered the building was listed as a “contributing structure” on San Jose’s Historic Resources Inventory, which imposed strict limitations on renovations. As construction loans became unattainable and the interior was demolished, the couple found themselves in a financial quagmire, unable to generate income from the idle properties.
“During this whole time, we’re still being optimistic,” Trigg said. “Finally, a few months ago, all the finances and stuff started catching up. We should have seen the writing on the wall.”
In a stroke of good fortune, the couple received unexpected support from the community. A GoFundMe campaign, initiated by former San Jose City Councilmember Raul Peralez without Trigg’s knowledge, has raised over $50,000 to help them navigate this crisis. “We knew people liked our business, but we didn’t realize how much,” Trigg said, visibly moved by the outpouring of support.
Local business owners, like Tamiko Rast of Roy’s Station coffee shop, expressed their concern over the potential loss of the Triggs’ establishments. “The loss of Jtown Pizza, Spread, and any of the Dipsomania businesses leaves a gaping hole in our neighborhood,” she lamented. “Our collective community is devastated.”
As the Triggs strive to save their remaining businesses—Jack’s Bar and the iconic 7 Bamboo karaoke lounge—they remain hopeful. “We still have fight left in us, and we’re still trying to right the ship,” Trigg asserted. “I don’t know how it’s going to turn out, but day by day we’re trying to save our livelihood and 20-plus years of being in Japantown.”
City Councilmember Anthony Tordillos acknowledged the challenges faced by the Triggs and emphasized the need for better communication regarding historic property designations. “It’s important for the city to make sure property owners are aware of their buildings’ historic status early in the pre-approval phase of renovations,” he said.
As the community rallies around the Triggs, the fate of their businesses hangs in the balance, highlighting the fragility of small businesses in the face of unforeseen challenges. The story of the Triggs serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of community ties and the impact of local businesses on the fabric of Japantown.
