Los Gatos Meats & Smokehouse, 575 University Ave., has been named the 2012 youth-friendly business of the year by members of the town’s youth commission and the Chamber of Commerce.
The 2-year-old program recognizes businesses that support Los Gatos youth by hiring them, supporting youth activities and providing youths with a welcoming environment.
According to the youth commissioners, owners John and Brian Chiala meet all those criteria and then some by supporting the high school’s football team and making donations to youth-oriented nonprofit groups.
But Brian Chiala says it’s really about the food. “They come for the Rollie sandwich and the super hero,” he said. Chiala estimates that of the 150 customers they serve daily, half are local students. “Even the kids from Fisher make their parents drive them over here,” he said.
Chiala is a 1991 Los Gatos High School graduate. His father John bought Los Gatos Meats that same year, although John Chiala has lived in town for some 38 years.
Los Gatos Meats has one employee who is a student at the high school, although over the years many have rotated through the popular smokehouse. Besides employing students, Los Gatos Meats donates bacon and sausage when the Los Gatos High football camp is being held and offers discounts to the lacrosse and volleyball teams. The Venue teen center has also benefited from its largesse.
Chiala said he just finished putting together the order for food for the upcoming grad night party, in which they’ve participated for years. “It’s usually tri-tips, chicken, rolls and sauce,” he said of the menu.
And, Chiala says, he and his dad are “absolutely” honored to be recognized as the Los Gatos youth business. “This is all done by the kids–they’re the ones passing the word,” he said. “Kids like what they like. If they don’t like something, they won’t go.”
The Chialas will be honored during the June 4 town council meeting, when youth commission members and Mayor Steve Rice will present them with a plaque recognizing their commitment to youth. That meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the town council chamber, 110 E. Main St.
