Clara’s Junction Opens as a Sustainable Dining and Social Space
Through the Adaptive Reuse of Former Carl’s Jr. and Its Iconic Star
Ensemble Celebrates October Sustainability Month With Transformation Of Fast Food
Site Into 18,000-Square-Foot Hotspot Focused On Community and Sustainability
LONG BEACH, Calif. (October 24, 2024) – The beloved Carl’s Jr. Star, once a symbol of quick meals and fast food, has taken on a new life with the grand opening of Clara’s Junction, Santa Clara’s newest indoor-outdoor dining and social space. This adaptive reuse project by Ensemble Investments, LLC (Ensemble) transforms the former Carl’s Jr. restaurant and surrounding area into an 18,000-square-foot hotspot while embracing sustainability and community spirit.
Located at the gateway to the Clara District and just minutes from Levi’s Stadium, Clara’s Junction is becoming a premier destination for both game day celebrations and everyday enjoyment. With its mix of local craft beers, lawn games, live music, and a diverse selection of food options, the space offers a fresh take on the local dining scene, all while paying homage to its past.
Carl’s Jr. Star—A Symbol of Transformation and Sustainability
Clara’s Junction retains a key feature of its predecessor: the iconic Carl’s Jr. Star, saved from the previous Carl’s Jr. and repurposed as a fun interior deign feature. The Star now serves as a beacon of transformation, representing the venue’s journey from fast food to a sustainable, community-focused space. As part of the adaptive reuse project, the existing structure was repurposed to minimize environmental impact, while eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems have been integrated throughout the venue.
“The Carl’s Jr. Star is a nod to the history of the space, but it also signifies our commitment to sustainability and creating a place that brings people together,” said Rob Gomez, Development Director at Ensemble. “By reusing this familiar site, we’ve reduced the need for new construction and preserved a bit of local nostalgia, all while focusing on eco-conscious practices.”
Carl’s Corner—A Tribute to the Past
In a nod to the venue’s origins, Clara’s Junction has saved and installed one of the original Carl’s Jr. booths in a special area now known as Carl’s Corner. The booth is adorned with three Stars that were originally part of the Carl’s Jr. interior, and a framed picture of the former Carl’s Jr. restaurant hangs proudly on the wall. This unique feature offers guests a touch of nostalgia while enjoying the modern, vibrant atmosphere of Clara’s Junction.
Sustainability at the Core
The transformation of the former Carl’s Jr. site into Clara’s Junction underscores the importance of sustainability in today’s development. By embracing adaptive reuse, the project has minimized waste and energy consumption, while the indoor-outdoor design promotes natural airflow and reduces reliance on climate control systems. Features like eco-friendly landscaping, reclaimed materials, and a commitment to local sourcing further reinforce Clara’s Junction’s sustainable mission.
“The adaptive reuse of the former Carl’s Jr. restaurant into Clara’s Junction is a prime example of how Santa Clara is embracing creative, sustainable development,” said Jovan Grogan, City Manager for the City of Santa Clara. “This project not only revitalizes an existing structure but also enhances the community by providing a social space that brings people together. Clara’s Junction is a great representation of how adaptive reuse can breathe new life into familiar spaces while reducing environmental impact.”
Clara’s Junction is more than just a place to grab a bite or a beer—it’s a space designed to foster connection and community. With a live BBQ pit, Taz’s Taco trailer, rotating food trailers, lawn games, and a curated lineup of local craft beers on tap, the venue offers an inviting environment for people of all ages. Whether it’s game day or a casual night out, Clara’s Junction provides the perfect blend of entertainment, dining, and sustainability.
“Clara’s Junction exemplifies the future of lifestyle development, where sustainability and community engagement go hand in hand,” said Steve Edwards, Senior Vice President of Lifestyle Development at Ensemble. “Our goal was to create a space that not only reuses existing infrastructure but also enhances the overall experience for the local community. We believe Clara’s Junction will serve as a gathering place for people to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the best of what Santa Clara has to offer—all in a way that respects the environment and honors the history of this iconic location.”
Just a short walk from Levi’s Stadium, Clara’s Junction offers the ideal spot for fans and visitors to gather before or after events. Its expansive layout and engaging atmosphere make it a go-to destination for both locals and tourists alike with easy access to multi-modal transit options, including Amtrak-ACE Rail, VTA Light Rail, CALTRAIN, and BART, as well as corporate shuttle stops and extensive bike paths.
Clara’s Junction, a collaboration between Ensemble Investments and Apicii, a bespoke hospitality management and concept development company, is now open to the public offering a sustainable dining experience that combines the charm of a former Carl’s Jr. site with a modern, eco-friendly twist. With its iconic Star proudly displayed at Carl’s Corner offering a nostalgic touch, Clara’s Junction is ready to welcome the community for food, drinks, and fun.
About Ensemble
Ensemble is a leading commercial real estate investment firm specializing in comprehensive planning, development, ownership, and management. Established in 1989, Ensemble has consistently delivered transformative projects across hospitality, corporate office, life science, multifamily, and retail sectors. Ensemble’s hospitality division oversees a portfolio generating over $200 million in annual revenue. With a dedicated team of over 1,000 hotel employees, we prioritize delivering exceptional service across nine managed and five third-party managed properties, ensuring memorable experiences for our guests. With headquarters in Long Beach, CA, and offices in Phoenix and Philadelphia, Ensemble assembles a diverse group of talented professionals to steward resources with creativity and tenacity, delivering inspiring environments and exceptional experiences. For more information, visit www.ensemble.net.
About Apicii
Apicii is a New York City–based hospitality company that has developed and operates a collection of acclaimed restaurants, bars, membership clubs and private event spaces across the country. Apicii is led by CEO Tom Dillon, who has an unparalleled, 30-year track record in hospitality, having created, developed, or operated leading global brands, including five of the 100 top-grossing restaurants in America. Dillon has operated venues that have been covered extensively in the press, including being awarded Best New Restaurant in America, as well as several Michelin-starred venues.
Editor’s Note: For more information and to follow on Instagram for Clara’s Junction @clarasjunction and visit https://www.clarasjunction.com, and Ensemble Investments @ensemble_cre and visit https://ensemble.net.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Cameron Andrews
Pier Communications
562-432-5300
