A week ago, San Jose jazz club Cafe Stritch announced that they will not be reopening following their closure two years ago due to the pandemic. Fortunately, it appears that 374 S. First St. will be passed on to trusted hands. Former Cafe Stritch general manager Andrew Saman will be opening a new venture in its place called Mama Kin Bar & Restaurant.
Saman told San Jose Inside that there will still be live jazz shows at the space but he intends to open up opportunities to other genres, saying “We’ll keep the same vibe and hope to get back the regulars. We’ll also open it up and make it a little livelier.”
Saman owns Mama Kin with business partner Sam Becker who, in a phone call with What Now San Francisco, said that they aim to open this spring. They are currently preparing various aspects of the new venture, including scouting chefs to help develop their menu of American bar classics.
Becker adds that Saman has always wanted to start his own bar, so this is an exciting venture for him. Expect an experience similar to Cafe Stritch, but taken to the next level. Stay tuned for a link to the official website when it’s ready.
