Business

Mary Ann and Ray Barragan. Courtesy of Golden Memorial Insurance.

Features

Ray Barragan, from garlic grinder to a leader in burial insurance

The family continues his business and legacy of good works.

Sean Fitzharris and BenitoLink reporter Robert Eliason. Photo courtesy of Fran Fitzharris.

Food / Dining

Eat, Drink, Savor: From homebrewing to full brewery

The Fitzharrises create Brewery Twenty Five beers for San Benito County

The Running Rooster bar serves craft cocktails, while also following COVID-19 state guidelines. Photo by Jenny Mendolla Arbizu.

Features

Running Rooster reopens under new management

The downtown restaurant expands in size and menu.

The Cub Scouts and adult Den Leaders of Pack 455 clean the corner of San Benito and Sixth Streets. Photo by Andrew Pearson.

Nonprofits

Community-led spring cleaning beautifies downtown Hollister

Organizations and families pitch in at the “spring cleaning”

Foxhollow Herb Farm. Courtesy of Foxhollow.

Features

Hollister’s Foxhollow Herb Farm brings organic products to the community and beyond

It’s been making soaps, lotions, creams and incense since 1995.

Louie Roybal at work. Courtesy of Louie's Smokey Trails.

Features

Louie’s Smokey Trails brings BBQ to customers all over San Benito County

High quality and locally sourced foods highlight Louie Roybal’s catering menu.

Hollister Comfort Shoes owners, Enrique and Ecliseria Martinez, are finding their feet at their new location at 1760 Airline Highway. Photo by Jenny Mendolla Arbizu

Business

Hollister Comfort Shoes: Ahhhh

Couple bring specialty footwear to town.

Cynthia Emeterio. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Business

Premiere Cinemas reopens at 25% capacity

New protocols at Hollister’s multi screen movie theater don’t deter film lovers.

Michelle and Rick McCain by a Leucospermum. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Business

Exotic plants from around the world thrive in Aromas microclimate

Wild Ridge Organics specializes in rare and hard-to-grow natural wonders.

From left: Hollister Cannabis Co. team Enrique Macias, general manager; Amasa Lacy, Vice President; and Carl Saling, CEO. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Features

Hollister Cannabis Co. launches delivery service

It serves customers from south San Jose to Carmel.

Halina Kleinsmith, owner of Fool's Gold Antiques. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Business / Economy

Women entrepreneurs take charge in San Juan Bautista

The majority of downtown area businesses are owned by women.

Norma Ortega of Normita’s Succulentas. Photo courtesy of Norma Ortega.

Business / Economy

Cottage businesses spring up during pandemic

San Benito County residents find ways to earn money at home doing what they love.

Tom Andrade, Ashley Hooks and Emmanuel Salcedo at San Juan Barbershop. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Business / Economy

San Juan Barbershop attracts customers from miles away

Owner and barber speak on closing down and reopening during the pandemic.

Lori Wilson, owner of Bear's Hideaway in San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Food / Dining

Valentine’s Day specials in San Benito County

Local restaurants serving up heart-shaped pizzas and pancakes, steaks and fancy desserts.

Corina Gitmed of Off the Hook Essentials and Becky Herbert of Farmhouse Cafe. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Food / Dining

Off the Hook Essentials specializes in fish and finishing salts

Vendors move from farmers markets to doorstep delivery.

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