Original Joe’s San Jose podcast cast photo by Original Joe’s server Randy, Mon Mar 9, 2026 left side left to right Lee Leonard (producer), Marko Ukalovic (San Jose Barracuda reporter), Chris Landon (Original Joes server), Michael Roberson (Stanford Cardinal reporter), (right side) Lincoln Juarez (green shirt/San Jose Sharks reporter) and Vince Cestone (MLB Analyst/Social Media).
Sportstalk is honored to do our podcast at Original Joes 301 South First Street in downtown San Jose. We thank our hosts and Original Joe’s owners Brad Rocca, Michelle Rocca, Matt Rocca, server Chris, and manager Greg Bardakos. Original Joes welcomes our panel, Marko Ukalovic (San Jose Earthquakes and San Jose Barracuda beat writer and host), Michael Roberson (Stanford Cardinal beat writer), Lincoln Juarez (San Jose State University Spartans beat writer), Vince Cestone (SF Giants reporter), and producer Lee Leonard.
On May 24, 1956 Louis J. Rocca, Louis J. Rocca, Jr. (Babe), Arthur Tortore (Otto) and Anthony Caramagno (Nino) opened “Original Joe’s” in San Jose. The four partners wanted to bring an authentic San Francisco restaurant to the South Bay. They were convinced that if they could keep it authentic, they could serve the community by producing their traditional home-style Italian American Cuisine. Their desire was so great that they actually transported San Francisco French Bread via Greyhound Bus everyday for the first two years of operation.
In the early 1970’s downtown San Jose started to flounder. Businesses were relocating to the outskirts of town. Original Joe’s became one of the cornerstones for an ever changing downtown. As the genres of food have changed over the years, Original Joe’s maintains its traditional roots. Still owned and operated by the Rocca Family, Original Joe’s continues to strive to replicate the dining experience that people have enjoyed for over half of a century.
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