Business

Leslie Dell and her daughter Addyson at the Black Pot Artisans pop-up location in downtown San Juan Bautista. Photo by Frank Perez.

Food / Dining

Black Pot Artisans: A home bakery in San Juan Bautista

Cottage industry baker specializes in sourdough bread.

Lois Long at Lois's Unique Home Furnishings in San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Business / Economy

Nighttime holiday shopping returns to San Juan Bautista

Merchants stay open late on Saturdays through Dec. 19.

Victoria Montoya and her 94-year-old mother Longina at La Catrina in Hollister. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Business / Economy

Indoor dining returns to San Benito County

COVID infections drop to allow restaurants to serve inside at 25% capacity.

Jarad Gallagher, chef and owner of The Smoke Point BBQ and Provisions in San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Food / Dining

The Smoke Point BBQ and Provisions opens in San Juan Bautista

Chef Jarad Gallagher wants to change people’s idea of barbecue.

El Nopal Bakery owner Frankie Berlanga takes a fresh batch of pan de muerto out of the oven. Photo courtesy of Frankie Berlanga.

San Benito Lifestyle

A sweet treat for the dead

El Nopal Bakery serves up pan de muerto and pumpkin conchas in time for Dia de los Muertos.

Margot Tankersley of Margot's Ice Cream Parlor in San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Food / Dining

San Benito County brings chocolate treats to the world

Confection making in factories and back rooms.

Early photo of McKinnon Lumber Company. Photo courtesy of John Barrett.

Features

McKinnon Lumberyard dates back to early Hollister

San Benito County’s oldest retail business going strong during pandemic.

Ginger Russo, Mary Regalo, and bakery owner Dianne Hampton. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Food / Dining

San Juan Bakery overwhelmed by customers and love

Third Street staple reopens after nearly six-month hiatus.

Andre, Mike, Priscilla, Mia, and Makai Jones of Mmm Churros! Photo courtesy of Priscilla Jones.

Business / Economy

New Hollister company incentivizes customers to send churros to first responders with discounts

Priscilla and Mike Jones spent two years coming up with their vegan churro recipe.

The Sakaguchi family at Inaka. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Business / Economy

San Juan’s Third Street makeover keeps restaurants from fully closing

Owners speak about outdoor dining on the main thoroughfare.

Calera Wine Company currently hosts wine tastings outside with views of the surrounding hills. Photo courtesy of Calera Wine Company.

Food / Dining

San Benito County wineries continue tastings amid COVID-19

Eden Rift, Calera and DeRose talk about the virus’ impact and providing a safe experience for customers.

Ricky and Lana Villegas. Photo by Carmel de Bertaut.

Art & Culture

San Benito Arts Council curbside fundraiser brings out the community

‘Farm to Your Table’ dinner provides a meal to eat at home.

The interior of Hokulia Shave Ice in Hollister. Photo by Frank Perez.

Business

Hokulia brings a ‘taste of aloha’ to SBC

Shave ice shop opens in Hollister Farms Shopping Center.

Mirjana Tomas baking chocolate chip and walnut cookies at her home. Photo by Frank Perez.

Business

Mama’s Morsels specializes in bringing a taste of home

Mirjana Tomas uses local ingredients to make her cookies and other baked goods.

Marie Hoffman, Grace Gillio, Emma Hoffman, Julie Gillio and Nicole Rajkovich show off their yellow and red Rainier and Bing cherries. Photo by Leslie David.

Ag

Fairhaven Orchards: old business, new ways

In time for cherry season, owners redouble safety measures, add online ordering and curbside pickup.

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