Extraordinary chef John Perez of JADAA’S exclaimed he was “going back to where it all started” as he is reopening his restaurant at the same location in the Craycroft Building where folks lined up to eat years ago. Many can remember sitting outside the Sierra Hardware store, St. Charles, and the Yuba Gallery as the mountain wind would carry the aroma of his deliciously seasoned entrees along Main Street, causing tummies to rumble and mouths to salivate, luring all into his domain. Perez closed up JADAA’S for an opportunity he could not refuse at Two Rivers Cafe and later reopened JADAA’S in a food truck after persevering through logistical challenges. Wherever his feet tread, Perez’s “foodie” fan base continues to grow, and it is no wonder why. #1 His food is amazing. #2 He is spot-on with his price point and portioning, stating his “food is priced for the working class,” which, on behalf of the “working class” in this overpriced “everything” area, we poorer folk (or those who simply want to get the most bang for their buck) say “THANK YOU!” When JADAA’S restaurant opens its doors, oldtimers and early worms will once again have a “Classic American” breakfast hub to consistently gather around, a hub that won’t strain a retirement check. Late-night owls can sleep in and rest easy knowing JADAA’S will await their arrival for lunch, dinner, and Happy Hour (a sliding glass window will deliver food from JADAA’S to customers enjoying fine spirits as they sit at the St. Charles deck). Perez hopes to employ a crew of seven to handle traffic and reduce long wait times, a thorn in the side of many who frequent local establishments. A final building inspection will review the ADA-compliant bathroom and all the completed repairs and maintenance work. Building owner Jim Roos, overseeing all the projects, explained he “hoped to have it open before winter starts.” We salute you, Mr. Roos, and no doubt JADAA’S will be a raving success!
Local Kaifus Knoefler depicts where a partition wall was removedDOWNIEVILLE — After a subscriber from the Monterey area called The Mountain Messenger Wednesday morning with a request to read about local business happenings, it only took a moment of pondering, and my thoughts were transported to the work going on at the historic Craycroft building. Fortunately, I happened to run into Kaifus Knoefler the other day on his way to the Craycroft building, and he mentioned he was working on the soon-to-be restaurant site of “JADAA’S” – these types of news leads on my radar are compliments of living and reporting in a small town.
Local Kaifus Knoefler depicts where a partition wall was removed