Santa Cruz Farmers Markets

In 1946 Frank Gonzales returned from World War II and bought 10 acres of apricot trees in the Hollister area. He and his wife Mary Gonzales began farming in Hollister when they were married over 55 years ago. They raised three children on the 120 acre ranch. Frank and Mary's son, Gary Gonzales, returned from the Peace Corp in 1972 and began to work the apricot orchard with his father. He has now been managing it for decades. Until 1992 the family sent 60 tons of dried, unpacked fruit to two large wholesalers, Del Monte and Mayfair. When Turkish imports began to flood the market, they had to revision their business strategy. Apricot King began to sell at the farmers' markets, little ones in tow.

Rodoni is a third generation farm and has transitioned into the organic market over the last 10 years. They now have over 100 acres certified organic by CCOF and currently grow brussels sprouts, leeks, artichokes, beets, peas, beans and pumpkins.

Delicious Crepes is a relatively new business that was registered in February 2008. However, the unique menu had been developed over the past 10 years during which were spent serving the farmers' market communities under a different company name formerly known as Nina's Kitchen.