Business First

City of Campbell Economic Development Newsletter

January 2026 | View as Webpage | E-mail us | Past Issues

News & Announcements

Game Day, the Campbell Way

With The Big Game in nearby Santa Clara this year, Downtown Campbell is a convenient place to catch all the action.

More than 20 bars and restaurants — many of which will be showing the game — are within walking distance within a safe, family-friendly atmosphere, offering a range of spots to settle in and enjoy. Visitors can take advantage of approximately 1,100 free off-street parking spaces, plus VTA light rail access directly into downtown — making it easy to leave your car at home. (And VTA is planning extra service on Game Day to make it even easier.)

Whether you’re meeting friends for the game or pairing it with dinner, Campbell makes it easy to plan a smooth outing. Check the Downtown directory and plan ahead.

Game Week: Ideas + Head's Up for Business Owners

Some businesses choose to acknowledge Game Week through:

🏈 Game-themed menu or drink features
🏠 Take-out or catering options for customers hosting at home
🎁 Retail promos or small giveaways tied to game weekend
✨ Adjusted hours or light-touch in-store displays
🅿️ Social media messaging highlighting Campbell’s easy access, parking, and light rail connectivity

Regardless of the approach, here's a quick reminder on do’s and don’ts

Do:

Use generic language such as Big Game, Championship Game, Football Fan Fest, or Football Championship
Lean into football-themed promotions using general terms
Use generic imagery (footballs, fields, trophies, team colors - no logos)
Follow broadcast rules, including using appropriate commercial TV packages for large or multiple screens
Confirm screening rights with your TV provider if unsure

Don’t:

Use NFL trademarks, including "Super Bowl," "Super Bowl LX," team names, or team logos
Imply official affiliation (“NFL-sponsored,” “official watch party,” “official team event”)
Use personal streaming services for public screenings (YouTube TV, Hulu, Peacock, etc.)
Host large-scale fan events that resemble ticketed or festival-style activations

The NFL has indicated that trademark enforcement is active and will take place in our region. Violations can result in takedown requests, cease-and-desist letters, or fines.

For more detail, we strongly recommend reviewing the 2026 Bay Area Public Screening Playbook.

Downtown Assessment District Effort Kicks Off

What could Downtown Campbell do with more locally directed support? That question is guiding a new City initiative exploring a Business Improvement District (BID) or Property-Based Improvement District (PBID).

BIDs and PBIDs — both of which are types of assessment districts — are used in many downtown districts to fund additional services such as enhanced cleaning and maintenance, marketing and promotions, events and programming, and other place-based improvements that go beyond baseline City services.

City staff are currently conducting a feasibility study and outreach effort to understand stakeholder priorities, potential investments, and whether this approach is right for Downtown Campbell. The first series of outreach meetings with businesses and property owners was held Jan. 14. Another round will take place in mid-March.

Stay up to date, learn more, and reach out to staff via the project website.

High-Profile Corner in Downtown Campbell Welcomes New Anchors

One of Downtown Campbell's most recognizable restaurant corners is entering its next chapter — and it still speaks Greek.

Elia Restaurant has announced it will open in the former Opa! space at 276 E. Campbell Ave., ensuring the highly visible spot won't be vacant for long. The restaurant is known for its Greek-inspired menu, shareable mezethes, seafood, and weekend brunch. It's built a strong following at its other Bay Area locations in San Carlos, Pleasanton, and Walnut Creek.

And that's not all: Elia's owner has also acquired the next-door former Mo's restaurant space, and will convert it into their popular fast-casual mediterranean concept, Sultan's Kebab.

The Elia announcement adds to recent leasing activity along East Campbell Avenue. Several forthcoming food and service tenants are still working through planning and construction, with additional announcements expected in the months ahead. Check out the New Business Roundup section for other exciting real estate moves throughout Campbell.

The Shows Will Go On at Pruneyard Cinemas

Campbell's beloved Pruneyard Dine-In Cinemas and the Cedar Room will remain open after reaching a new agreement with the property owner. The business announced on Jan. 7 it would close effective Jan. 25; however, an announcement on Jan. 16 added a plot twist — and thanked the community for expressing "overwhelming support" in recent weeks.

The independent venue offers films, live performances, and special programming that draw visitors from across the South Bay, and its continued operation will support the economic health at the Pruneyard and surrounding businesses.

Pruneyard Cinemas is one of two indie theaters in Campbell, with longtime Cinelux Plaza Cafe & Lounge operating within the Safeway center at 2501 S. Winchester. In the spirit of “Shop Campbell First,” keep Campbell’s independent theaters in mind when planning your next night — or matinee — out. It's a whole lot more fun than staying in and streaming. Read more.

Draft Campbell Climate Plan Released

The City of Campbell has released the Draft Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP) for public review. The plan is focused on helping the community better prepare for rising energy costs, extreme heat, air quality impacts, and other climate-related conditions that increasingly affect day-to-day operations for residents and businesses alike. The draft brings together a range of strategies the City is exploring related to buildings, transportation, and climate preparedness, including topics such as potential future energy efficiency and building upgrade requirements.

The Campbell City Council is expected to consider the plan for adoption in spring 2026, and the current review period is an opportunity for residents, business owners, and property owners to understand what’s being discussed and share input before the plan is finalized. Read it here and share your feedback through the end of January.

Explore the Performance of Campbell's Retail Centers and Business Districts

We recently refreshed the Campbell Economic Centers webpage, which profiles the City’s key retail and industrial areas using updated sales tax and visitation metrics.

The project analyzes 11 of the city's economic centers — including Downtown, Pruneyard, East Hamilton, Dell Avenue, and McGlincy Lane — highlighting:

Visitor volumes, frequency, and dwell time
Sales tax performance and trends
How each center functions within Campbell’s broader economy
Properties available for lease

If you’re a business owner, broker, investor, or just curious about what’s driving economic activity in Campbell, the updated page is a useful reference. Check it out here.

New Business and Investment Roundup

Cresa, a commercial real estate advisory firm that works exclusively on behalf of tenants, has opened a new Silicon Valley office at 307 Orchard City Drive. It's one of 50 such offices across the U.S. Managing Principal Craig Zodikoff says they chose Campbell for its great access to clients and walkable amenities. It joins The Econic Company and SVN Capital West Partners as part of Campbell's growing commercial real estate brokerage community.

Also at 307 Orchard City, startup Algorized has opened a new office. Founded in Switzerland, Algorized develops AI-powered software that uses off-the-shelf wireless sensors to detect human presence and vital signs, with applications in smart buildings, safety systems, healthcare and mobility. Algorized joins a growing group of tech companies in Downtown Campbell, including VAST Data, ServiceUp and MedicareDrop.

Tired of the same old cup of Joe? Phin Cafe Roastery & Tea House — which just opened in the former Mod Pizza space at 2000 S. Bascom Ave. — provides a unique coffee experience: Think coffee flights; unique flavors such as pandan, durian and banana matcha; smoothies and fruit teas; and even banh mi sandwiches. Catch the grand opening wrap video.

Early prep work is beginning on the former Bed, Bath & Beyond space for its future tenant: Villa Sport Fitness. The 40,000-square-foot space at 515 E. Hamilton will be renovated to include yoga rooms, group exercise spaces, weight training, a recovery zone, kids area and more. More info.

Campbell Inn has a new owner. 365 Hospitality, helmed by local entrepreneur Ankit Panchal, acquired the 95-room hotel at the end of December in an $11 million deal. It's the first time the hotel has traded since the 1990s. The firm is exploring opportunities to refresh and potentially rebrand the property, which is perfectly positioned between The Pruneyard and Downtown Campbell.

Business Resources and Training

Reminder: Minimum Wage Update

California’s statewide minimum wage is $16.90 per hour as of January 1, 2026, and applies in Campbell unless a higher sector-specific requirement applies. Some fast-food and health-care employers may be subject to higher requirements. Employers may also want to confirm exempt salary thresholds and required workplace postings are current for 2026. The state offers more information.

State Incentive Program Now Open

The California Competes Tax Credit application window is now open and runs through Jan. 26. The GO-Biz program awards income tax credits to businesses expanding or hiring in California. Past awardees include Intuitive Surgical, ASML, Applied Materials, Align Technology, and Campbell-based Paired Power. Assistance is available for developing a successful application. Learn more.

Keep Your Business Website Discoverable

Search is changing fast, and many small businesses are already seeing shifts in website traffic as AI-powered results and zero-click searches become more common. This live webinar hosted by nonprofit SCORE breaks down what’s changing in 2026, what still works, and practical steps businesses can take now to stay visible online. Register.

📅 Date & Time: 10-11:30 am Jan. 22

📌 Location: Online

💵 Cost: $20

Unlocking Angel Investment

The San Jose Small Business Development Center is hosting an introductory session on the fundamentals of angel fundraising, including finding investors, outreach and relationship development, and pitch decks. It's the first event in a planned series on fundraising and led by Shawn Flynn, an entrepreneur, banker, and host of The Silicon Valley Podcast. Register.

📅 Date & Time: 3-5 pm January 29

📌 Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. Library - 3rd Floor (SJPL Workspace)

💵 Cost: FREE

Upcoming Events

Downtown Campbell merchants are planning a "Sweetheart Soiree" on Saturday, Feb. 7. Look for the red balloons for special promotions and sales. Information.

Join a Campbell tradition: The Campbell Valentine Fun Run/Walk -— now in its 49th year! It's a kid's dash, 5K and 10K starting at 9 am Saturday, Feb. 7 at Campbell Park. Register.

Also Feb. 7, the Campbell Country Women's Club's annual Crab and Pasta Feed takes place 6 pm at the Campbell Community Center. It's the largest event for the organization, with proceeds supporting scholarships and community projects. Information.

Save the date for Celebrate Campbell: March 21. The Campbell Chamber's annual fundraising gala will reveal this year's Citizen and Business of the Year.

Who says you have to go to San Jose for a great night of live entertainment? The Campbell Heritage Theatre has a packed schedule this winter, with classical music, classic rock, and more. Click here for upcoming events, including the Valentine's Day ballet performance of Cinderella.

This is just a sampling of events in Campbell. For more great community and business events, check the online calendars of the Downtown Campbell Business Association and the Campbell Chamber.

The BIG Number

Each newsletter, we take a look at a different economic indicator in Campbell. This month’s BIG Number: $387 million.

That’s the total volume of commercial property sales in Campbell during the 2025 calendar year, according to CoStar, a real estate information service. The sales include retail, office, industrial and rental-multifamily sales — not single-family or residential condo sales.

It's the largest dollar volume since 2019, when roughly $540 million in property changed hands. Top-dollar sales during 2025 included the February sale of The Pruneyard office towers to PSAI Realty Partners and the May sale of Parc at Pruneyard and Revere apartment communities to Essex Property Trust. This level of activity reflects strong investor interest in Campbell, though year-to-year totals can fluctuate depending on the availability of large assets, which tend to trade only occasionally.

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