“Goodbye, Restaurant James Randall” began the restaurant’s farewell Facebook post on October 18th.

The post continued, giving gratitude to patrons: “All of your pennies from the Copper Penny Happy Hour are now in full view as the tile for the new wood fired oven,” referring to the restaurant’s clever happy hour custom in which one could buy a cocktail and get one for a friend for just a penny.

The post also subtly pitched its successor restaurant, Oak and Rye.

Restaurant James Randall, located at 303 N Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos, was a community favorite. It was owned by Brenda Hammond, who named the restaurant after her late brother who died of cancer 15 years ago. The restaurant billed itself on an “experience-based” dining concept, where diners were encouraged to take their time amid the white tablecloths and intimate setting. Hammand’s son, Chef Ross, headed the kitchen and created the menu.

Chef Ross will still head the kitchen at Oak and Rye, which is now open in the same location. Oak and Rye specializes in pizzas (rising favorite: the “You’ve Got Kale” with garlic, kale, Calabrian chile and sausage), small plates and cocktails. Two new additions to the staff are Angelo Womack, who will head the wood-fired oven, and Dana Bunker, who will coordinate the front of the house.

Oak and Rye, 303 N Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos. Mon-Sun 11am-11pm. 408.395.4441

Check out the whole South Bay dining scene at the San Jose Restaurant page.