Business owners Michael Spadafora and Patrice Boyle reflect on a tumultuous year for their businesses as the Murray Street Bridge closure slashed summer traffic, left them struggling to survive and exposed what they describe as a lack of communication and meaningful help from the city.
Local Business
Posted inFood & Drink
Seaside’s Other Brother opens cozy taproom in Aptos with award-winning beer, standout sandwiches
Other Brother Beer Co. opened its first satellite taproom, in Aptos Village, at the end of December, with 22 taps of its Seaside-brewed beers and a compact, food-forward menu designed for the smaller space.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Photo gallery: Looking back on 2025 through photos
Lookout staff photographer Kevin Painchaud gets a front-row view of the events, people, and food that make Santa Cruz such a unique and special place to live. He chose his favorite photos he captured in 2025.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Looking back at the businesses that opened in 2025
While 2025 saw many beloved businesses shutter, the year also welcomed many new ones, from retailers to restaurants, entertainment to fitness, all helping shape that uniqueness that is the Santa Cruz County business economy. As we close out the final day of the year, here’s a glance at some of the businesses we gained.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Dec. 30
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: Last-minute NYE plans, Other Brother Beer opens in Aptos, and new chef at Bad Animal
The latest in Santa Cruz County food & drink news, notes, recommendations and more from Lookout correspondent Lily Belli.
Posted inFood & Drink
Newsmakers 2025: Barista who helped unionize Verve says the experience changed how she saw herself
Sasha Pavy, a shy 24-year-old UCSC graduate, emerged as an unlikely leader of a successful unionization drive at three Verve Coffee Roasters cafés, rallying coworkers around higher wages, consistent hours and respect from management. After workers unanimously voted to unionize in September, Pavy was elected to represent the downtown Santa Cruz café in contract negotiations expected to continue through 2026.
Posted inFood & Drink
Expanding Bad Animal will feature modern Parisian bistro-inspired menu as it reopens its restaurant in January
Bad Animal will reopen its restaurant in January with former Hanloh chef de cuisine Nick Hahn, ending its long-running residency model and shifting the menu from Thai food to a modern Parisian bistro style influenced by both California ingredients and Hahn’s Korean heritage.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby ramps up for 2026, its target year for commercial service launch; looking at businesses that closed in 2025
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on where Joby Aviation stands ahead of what’s poised to be a big year for the Santa Cruz-based company, reviews closures around the county and highlights names and dates to know.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Boisterous bistro fare at Mane Kitchen & Cocktails; former local chef leading Chez Panisse offshoot; Lily’s Christmas Eve menu
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli dishes on Mane Kitchen & Cocktails in downtown Santa Cruz, notes a former local chef helming a sister restaurant for Berkeley’s famed Chez Panisse and an opening date for Dungeness crab season, and unveils her Christmas Eve menu.