by Mike Sanchez Photos by Victor Mora , Mike & Debbi Sanchez

Raul and Christina own RAC Services in Gilroy , where Christina serves as the Chief Executive Officer , and Raul serves as the Chief Operating Officer . Their business is family-owned and family run , serving as the go-to corporate relocation and workplace design and management firm for Silicon Valley and beyond . Locally , Christina serves on the executive board of the Gilroy Downtown Business Association . Both Raul and Christina are members of the Gilroy Evening Rotary club and are very active in the community . Their commitment to Gilroy includes supporting several non-profit organizations , founding their business in Gilroy and locating it in the downtown district , and their willingness to always support other small businesses . Their latest contribution to Gilroy is a beautiful coworking space opening in July at the former Intero Real Estate building on Monterey Street between 3rd and 4th Streets . Keep an eye out for the ribbon cutting … you will want to see the magic these two can create !

Gilroy Bowl is the vision-made-real modernization of the historic Gilroy Bowl and Scotty ’ s Restaurant by local developer and businessman David Leal . The original business was owned and operated for 53 years by the Kawano family ; Tom , Grace , their son Scotty , and grandson Riley . Tom passed in 2015 , and Grace decided it was time to clear the pins for good in late 2020 . The original Gilroy Bowl was a big part of downtown Gilroy in the days when thriving businesses , small shops , and specialty stores lined the streets as far as the eye could see . The new Gilroy Bowl is a beautiful , modern bowling facility with nine lanes , a cozy lounge area , a full-service bar , and a menu full of great food at reasonable prices . Leal has poured his heart and soul into the building and has found a way to both pay homage to the Kawano family legacy and create a visually stunning , family-friendly , 21st century experience . Like its predecessor , the new Gilroy Bowl is already playing a big part in “ Downtown Gilroy 2.0 ” – the resurgence of a once thriving downtown .

Meeting up with Raul and Christina , we all settled into a booth in the bar next to the huge streetside windows overlooking Monterey Rd . We wasted no time catching up and sharing stories and laughs .

There are many great things about the new Gilroy Bowl . One of those things is the exceptional service . As soon as we sat down , their incredible bar manager Saulo Arteaga was at our table ready to get our drink order . As , always , Salo was very helpful to suggest lots of options . We decided to go with some old favorites and some new drinks — for research purposes .

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Within minutes we had round one drinks at our table . Raul and I opted for beer ; I got my favorite beer on tap at Gilroy Bowl — the Alvarado Mai Tai P . A . ( 5-time Great American Beer Festival award winner . It ’ s a nice IPA with tropical flavors to create a smooth , light taste ). Raul went with his go-to beer — Michelob Ultra ( Anheuser Busch American lager ). Deb went with a New Fashioned ( classic twist on an Old Fashioned : Burbon Whiskey , bitters , simple syrup , orange twist ). Christina had a White Claw Mango Hard Seltzer ( Alcoholic sparkling water with a hint of fresh Mango flavor ). Then , based on Saulo ’ s suggestions , we tried several other drinks — just a sip and share for research , ( this article is hard work !). Soon , several colorful drinks arrived on our table . They included a Chocolada Martini ( Malibu Rum , Pineapple Juice , Creamer , Simple Syrup , with Chocolate Drizzle ), a Chili-Mango Margarita ( Patron Silver , Mango Juice , Fresh Lime Juice , Triple Sec , Tajin Rim ), and three different flavors of Rainbow Mojito ( choice of Pineapple , Strawberry , Mango , Cucumber , Lime , or Lavender , Bacardi Rum , Lime Juice , Mint , Soda Water ). One thing is certain , Gilroy Bowl knows how to make tasty , colorful drinks you ’ re sure to enjoy .

Somewhere in between , we ordered based on Manager Chris Simas ’ s suggestions . On our table were staff favorite ’ s including a Grilled Salmon Salad ( Chargrilled Salmon Filet , Roma Tomatoes , Cucumbers , Red Onion , Radish , Mixed Greens , Grilled Naan , Champagne Vinaigrette ), the Meat Lover ’ s Pizza ( Marinara , Salami , Pepperoni , Sausage , Bacon , Mozzarella cheese ), the awesome Bacon Cheeseburger ( Angus Chuck Patty , Crispy Bacon Lettuce , Tomato , Pickles , Diced Onion , American Cheese , House Sauce ), and a Grilled Chicken Sandwich ( grilled allnatural breast , lettuce , tomato , bacon , cheese , guacamole , chipotle aioli ). For appetizers , we had the Southwest Egg Rolls ( Crispy Won Ton Shell , Chicken , Black Beans , Corn , Guacamole , Tomatillo Salsa ). We decided to split and share everything .

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