The Farmers Union restaurant will be located at the former Pacific Telephone and Telegraph building (also known as the SBC building). The original building dates to 1928 when it served as a repeater station that received and amplified telecommunication signals.  Over the years, the building underwent additions to the rear and front, and in 2011, the City of Livermore purchased the property. Most recently, the building housed iGate, an incubator hub for startup companies. In 2022, the property was sold, and the new owner had a vision for a restaurant with a raised patio deck and rooftop dining.

Today, this downtown building is being renovated to accommodate the restaurant. The historical portion of the building will remain, preserving the architectural features and historical integrity. The non-historical portions of the building will undergo transformations that will accommodate the restaurant use. The Farmers Union is expected to open in the summer/fall of 2024 and will feature house-smoked meats, farm to fork ingredients, and a comfort-food themed menu. The raised patio will emerge from the Livermore Avenue and Second Street sides of the building with the interior featuring a large dining room and full bar. An elevator tower will provide access to the main floor and rooftop dining area where there will be a full bar as well.

To get an idea of the proposed restaurant, check out the Farmers Union in San Jose. Stop by the site at the corner of South Livermore Avenue and Second Street to get a real-time look at how Downtown Livermore’s new restaurant is taking shape.