Westside Billiards and its café, located on San Carlos Street in San Jose since the 1940s, hold a rich history within the city. The iconic sign that stands proudly outside the establishment is a symbol of that history, representing a bygone era of vibrant signage that once dotted the landscape.
In an effort to preserve this history and restore some of the old iconic Business signs that defined the area, the city has initiated a unique program. Yvette Tsaboukos, co-owner of Westside Billiards, emphasized the importance of the sign as a beacon that let people know they were there. She recalled a time when bright signs like theirs were widespread on San Carlos Street, but now, they are a rare sight.
Despite temporarily shuttering during the pandemic, Westside Billiards recently reopened with the help of the Preservation Action Council of San Jose. The council, known for its focus on preserving historic buildings, assisted in launching a fundraiser to restore the iconic sign. This initiative serves as a model for other businesses looking to preserve their landmark signs and maintain their presence within the community.
Ben Leech, executive director of the Preservation Action Council of San Jose, highlighted the importance of supporting legacy businesses and their unique signs to prevent their disappearance from the city. In line with this mission, the city has also implemented a sign restoration program as part of its storefront activation initiative to aid businesses in maintaining their iconic yet often expensive signage.
As the restoration efforts gain momentum, other businesses have expressed interest in preserving their trademark signs. The Preservation Action Council is already fielding inquiries from these establishments, with plans to launch a comprehensive program by National Preservation Month in May. The significance of these historic signs resonates deeply with the community, serving as a tangible link to San Jose’s past and a testament to its enduring legacy.
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