Teresa Gee was not exactly looking for a new project when she heard about the city of Burlingame's latest request for proposals. As the owner and driving force behind Gigi’s Cafe, she already had her hands full running one of the most celebrated sandwich spots in the Bay Area. But when the opportunity to lease the historic 1939 Greyhound bus depot downtown at 1080 Howard Ave arose, she knew it was a once in a generation chance.
"I thought, I need to jump on this place now because once that place gets rented, it will be rented for a very long time," Gee recently shared. Her instinct was right. The small building, a beautiful piece of local history, has a gravity that draws people in, whether they are rushing to the Caltrain station or looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a meal in the sun.
For fans of the original Gigi’s Cafe on Anza Boulevard, this is the best kind of news. It is not a move, but a full expansion. The original location on the Bay Trail will remain open, serving the office workers and outdoor enthusiasts who have made it a local institution. The new spot, Gigi’s at the Depot, is set to bring that same level of care and quality to the heart of downtown Burlingame.
In this post, we will explore:
- The history of the 1939 Greyhound depot and its transformation into a community hub.
- Why Gigi’s Cafe earned a spot as one of the top 100 places to eat in America.
- What to expect from the new menu, including the signature sandwiches and unique "Dirty Red Bulls."
A Local Success Story Built on Quality
Gigi’s Cafe is the kind of place that grows by word of mouth. While it might have started as a quiet spot in an office park, it did not stay quiet for long. In 2023, the cafe landed at No. 14 on Yelp’s tenth annual Top 100 Places to Eat in America list [1]. It was a massive achievement, especially considering that only two Bay Area businesses made the list that year: Gigi’s and Japanese restaurant Curry Hyuga.
The recognition was based on thousands of user reviews that praised the cafe for its consistency and heart. Users frequently pointed to the "big sandwiches made with care," giving the business a stellar 4.7-rating across hundreds of reviews [2]. For Teresa Gee, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate, the goal has always been simple: serve food that makes people want to come back.
The expansion to 1080 Howard Ave represents a new chapter for both Gee and the city. After the historic depot sat as office space for several years, returning it to a public-facing cafe use feels like a restoration of its original spirit.
The Historic Depot: From Greyhound to Gourmet
The building at 1080 Howard Ave has seen nearly a century of Burlingame history. Built in 1939 to serve the Greyhound bus line, the depot was a transit hub during an era of massive growth for the Peninsula. Its Art Deco lines and compact footprint make it a landmark that many locals recognize immediately.
For 47 years, the space was home to Sam’s Italian Sandwich Company, another local favorite that served generations of students and commuters before closing its doors in early 2020. Since then, the city-owned property has been waiting for the right tenant to bring it back to life.
The space is small, roughly 590 square feet, but what it lacks in indoor seating, it makes up for in character and location. Situated steps from the Caltrain station and near a major SamTrans stop, it is perfectly positioned for the "grab and go" crowd. Plus, five outdoor picnic tables provide a perfect setting for a sunny lunch.
What is on the Menu at Gigi’s at the Depot?
While the new location will have a slightly more limited menu than the original Anza Boulevard cafe to account for the smaller kitchen, the heavy hitters are all making the trip downtown. Gigi’s is known for sandwiches that are substantial enough to be two meals.
Some of the signature items include:
- The BAE: A hearty combination of bacon, avocado, and egg salad that has become a breakfast and lunch staple.
- Fishin’ 4 Heat: A spicy tuna melt that balances crunch, heat, and comfort.
- The Tech Bro: A massive sandwich loaded with pastrami, turkey, and bacon.
Beyond the sandwiches, the depot location is leaning into its proximity to Burlingame High School. One of the planned highlights is the "Dirty Red Bull," a refreshing mix of Red Bull, extra flavoring, and a splash of cream. It is the kind of creative, high-energy treat that fits the busy, transit-adjacent location perfectly.
A Long-Term Commitment to Burlingame
Teresa Gee is not just stopping by. Gigi’s at the Depot has signed a 15-year lease, structured as an initial five-year term with two five-year extension options. This kind of stability is a win for the city of Burlingame, which has worked hard to ensure its downtown remains a vibrant, walkable destination for residents and visitors alike.
The targeted opening date is September 1, which would coincide with the nine-year anniversary of the original Gigi’s Cafe. While tenant improvements and city permits can sometimes cause shifts in the timeline, the expectation is to have the doors open and the sandwiches slinging by the end of the year.
This expansion is a testament to what happens when a business owner focuses on the fundamentals: great food, fair prices, and a deep connection to the community. At McFadden Finch Restaurant Consulting Group, we often tell our clients that brand development is not just about a logo; it is about the reputation you build one customer at a time [3]. Teresa Gee has built a reputation that is now etched into the history of Burlingame.
Timeline of a Burlingame Landmark
- 1939: The Greyhound bus depot is constructed at 1080 Howard Ave in the Art Deco style.
- 1973: Sam’s Italian Sandwich Company begins its 47-year tenure in the building.
- 2015: Teresa Gee opens the original Gigi’s Cafe at 111 Anza Blvd on the Burlingame Bay Trail.
- 2020: Sam’s Italian Sandwich Company closes its doors, and the building is later converted to office space.
- Early 2023: Yelp names Gigi’s Cafe No. 14 on its list of the Top 100 Places to Eat in America [1].
- Fall 2023: The city of Burlingame issues a request for proposals for the depot building.
- Early 2024: Teresa Gee signs a 15-year lease for the depot location.
- September 2026: Target opening date for Gigi’s at the Depot.
Comparing the Locations
| Feature | Gigi's Cafe (Anza Blvd) | Gigi's at the Depot (Howard Ave) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Audience | Office workers, Bay Trail visitors | Commuters, students, downtown shoppers |
| Square Footage | Standard cafe layout | ~590 sq. ft. (Compact) |
| Menu Scope | Full menu (burritos, salads, sandwiches) | Focused menu (Signature sandwiches, grab-and-go) |
| Vibe | Quiet, bay-side retreat | Historic, high-energy transit hub |
| Seating | Indoor and outdoor | Primarily outdoor (5 picnic tables) |
The Value of the Right Location
Finding the right space is one of the most difficult parts of running a restaurant. You can have the best food in the world, but if the logistics do not work, the business will struggle. Teresa Gee’s decision to wait for the right RFP and then jump on it is a classic example of smart growth.
The depot offers high visibility without the need for a massive marketing budget. The foot traffic from the Caltrain station and the high school provides a built-in customer base from day one. In our work with restaurant feasibility studies, we look for these kinds of "natural" advantages that reduce the cost of customer acquisition [4].
What Smart Critics Argue
Some might wonder if a 590-square-foot space is too small for a business that generates the kind of volume Gigi’s is known for. Critics of small-footprint expansions often point to:
- Production Bottlenecks: Limited kitchen space can slow down ticket times.
- Storage Issues: Daily deliveries become mandatory when there is no room for bulk storage.
- Customer Wait Times: Without indoor seating, bad weather can deter customers.
However, the "grab and go" model is specifically designed to solve these issues. By narrowing the menu and focusing on items that can be prepared quickly and travel well, Gigi’s is leaning into the strengths of the location rather than fighting its limitations. High-volume, small-footprint operations are often more profitable because they have lower overhead and utility costs.
Key Takeaways for Local Food Lovers
- Expansion, Not a Move: You can still visit the original Gigi's on Anza Boulevard.
- Historic Setting: The new cafe is located in a beautifully preserved 1939 bus depot.
- Caltrain Convenience: It is the perfect stop for commuters heading to San Francisco or San Jose.
- Award-Winning Food: You are eating at one of the top-ranked cafes in the entire country.
- Signature Items: Do not miss the "Tech Bro" or the "Dirty Red Bull."
- Outdoor Seating: Enjoy the Burlingame sun at one of the five outdoor picnic tables.
- Community Legacy: Teresa Gee is carrying on the tradition started by Sam's Italian Sandwich Company.
Actions You Can Take
At Work
- Organize a team lunch at the Anza Boulevard location while you wait for the depot to open.
- Follow Gigi’s Cafe on social media to get the exact opening date for the new spot.
In the Community
- Support other local businesses in the Burlingame downtown area to keep the neighborhood thriving.
- Share the news with your commuting friends who use the Caltrain station.
In Civic Life
- Participate in or attend Burlingame city council meetings where local business development and historic preservation are discussed.
- Visit the Burlingame Historical Society to learn more about the Greyhound depot's original role in the city.
FAQ: Gigi's at the Depot
Is the original Gigi's Cafe closing?
No. This is a second location. The original cafe at 111 Anza Blvd will remain open and continue its normal operations.
What are the hours for the new location?
While final hours are still being determined, the location is expected to cater to the morning and lunch crowds, likely opening early to serve Caltrain commuters.
Will there be parking?
Yes. A new 300-space parking lot (Lot N) recently opened on Highland Avenue, just 200 feet from the depot, making it much easier to visit the downtown area.
Does Gigi's offer catering?
Yes, Gigi's is well-known for providing large sandwich platters for local offices and events. It is best to contact the Anza Boulevard location for current catering inquiries.
Are there vegan options?
Yes. While known for its hearty meats, Gigi's has traditionally offered salads and sandwich modifications for vegan and vegetarian diners.
Where Smart Strategy Meets Profitable Hospitality.
At McFadden Finch Restaurant Consulting Group, we help restaurant owners make sharper decisions, strengthen operations, and build businesses designed to perform. From feasibility studies and concept development to menu strategy and long-term operational consulting, we help your restaurant move beyond survival and into sustained growth.
McFadden Finch Restaurant Consulting Group
Lake Merritt Plaza
1999 Harrison St., 18th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 973-2410
www.mcfadden-finch-group.com
executive.team@mcfadden-finch-group.com
Schedule your discovery call today and start building a stronger, smarter, more profitable restaurant. The corporate office address and email are listed on McFadden Finch Holdings' contact page, and MFRCG is included in the company's hospitality consulting portfolio.
Sources
[1] Yelp, "Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the US 2023," January 2023, https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-100-places-to-eat-in-the-us-2023, Accessed July 13, 2026.
[2] Yelp, "Gigi’s Cafe – Burlingame, CA," https://www.yelp.com/biz/gigis-cafe-burlingame, Accessed July 13, 2026.
[3] McFadden Finch Restaurant Consulting Group, "Brand Development Services," https://mcfadden-finch-group.com/services/brand-development, Accessed July 13, 2026.
[4] McFadden Finch Restaurant Consulting Group, "Restaurant Feasibility Studies," https://mcfadden-finch-group.com/services/feasibility-studies, Accessed July 13, 2026.
[5] City of Burlingame, "Request for Proposals: 1080 Howard Avenue," October 2023, https://www.burlingame.org, Accessed July 13, 2026.
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, operational, employment, regulatory, or other professional advice. Reading this content does not create a client, consulting, or contractual relationship with McFadden Finch Restaurant Consulting Group. Because every restaurant, market, and business situation is different, you should consult qualified professionals regarding your specific circumstances. McFadden Finch Restaurant Consulting Group makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information and is not responsible for third-party content, links, products, or services referenced. Testimonials, examples, case studies, and projected outcomes are illustrative only and do not guarantee similar results
