Two ocean scientists turned a pandemic-era gin hobby into Fathom Spirits, a Watsonville craft distillery making small-batch gins infused with Santa Cruz-inspired botanicals. Founders Elisha Wood-Charlson and Chad Kecy plan to open in September, with private Saturday tours and tastings while they work to get their experimental gins into local bars and restaurants.
Local Business
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: A passing at Dharma’s; Humble Sea’s crawfish boil; Open Farm Tours return for 12th year
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli shares news of the passing of Bernie Shapiro, notes upcoming events at Humble Sea Brewing Co., Bookshop Santa Cruz and farms around the county, plus plenty more.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Aug. 25
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Stockwell Cellars’ pivot; The Neighbor’s, Over The Hill Gang Saloon closing; La Placa Italian Cuisine opens in Scotts Valley
It’s last call for Stockwell Cellars’ Westside Santa Cruz tasting room, at LGBTQ+-oriented pub The Neighbor’s downtown and at Pleasure Point mainstay Over The Hill Gang Saloon, Lily Belli reports in her Tuesday newsletter.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Aug. 18
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
Posted inFood & Drink
Why Stockwell Cellars is closing its Westside Santa Cruz tasting room
Stockwell Cellars will close its Westside Santa Cruz tasting room Sept. 1 after a decade, as owners Eric Stockwell and Suzanne Zeber-Stockwell shift the business toward wine distribution and a smaller wine club-focused model. The move comes as the couple says the traditional tasting-room model has become less viable amid a broader downturn in wine consumption, rising costs and changes in how people spend their time and money.
Posted inEvents
Best of Santa Cruz County entertainment, arts & food events this weekend, Aug. 13-16
With the weekend nearly here, check out things to do around Santa Cruz County, with a recommendation from Lily Belli and a specially curated list from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
Posted inFood & Drink
Bagelry turns 49 as its founder retires — and a longtime employee takes over
After nearly five decades of baking bagels in Santa Cruz County, Bagelry founder John Hamstra has retired and handed the business to former employee Sidney Grant and his wife, Tal Kamran. The new owners say they intend to keep the local institution unchanged, from its menu and affordable prices to its longtime staff.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Workbench files pre-application for new housing on site of Seabright business plaza; Joby makes moves in Texas
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on a proposed six-story mixed-use development in Santa Cruz, Joby Aviation’s latest maneuvers and names, numbers and dates to know.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Beauregard Vineyards’ worthwhile white zin; piloting pesticide alternatives
Lily Belli heads to Bonny Doon to taste a surprising new offering from Beauregard Vineyards, notes a program in which Pajaro Valley farmers will use steam as a fumigant substitute and shares a tip for making the most of your tomato harvest.
