SLO County Market Update & Article Central Coast Business Icons
*INTERESTING FACT –
Last year, tourism in SLO County generated $105.6 million in local tax revenue, according to Visit SLO CAL.
Central Coast Business Icons
Since the 1950s, Templeton Feed and Grain stood as a landmark in downtown Templeton — a symbol of the region’s agricultural roots and small-town spirit. Its recent loss sparked a broader reflection: what other businesses have quietly, yet profoundly, shaped the identity of the Central Coast? From the iconic pink glow of the Madonna Inn to the vines and hops that fuel our wineries and breweries, some places are unmistakable. But others — deeply tied to our land, our university, and our community deserve recognition too. This issue pays tribute to the unsung businesses that help define who we are.
TIED TO THE LAND
Hearst Ranch Cattle
The Hearst Ranch, established in 1865 by George Hearst, spans over 150,000 acres and is among America’s oldest cattle ranches. It remains focused on grass-fed, free-range cattle and sustainable grazing. While Hearst Castle was donated to the state in 1957, the ranch continued production.
Crystal Springs Water
In 1905, teacher Mary S. Spaulding began selling spring water near Rockview Place in San Luis Obispo. The business sold multiple times and grew to serve customers from Paso Robles to Santa Ynez for over 114 years. In 2019, third-generation co-owners Eric and John Mulay sold Crystal Springs Water to Nestlé.
Farm Supply
This farmer-owned cooperative began in 1950 in a small room on Monterey Street to support local dairies and dryland farming. Now owned by over 2,400 members it has expanded to serve a broader community, including home & pet owners, with five locations.
COMMUNITY CUISINE
Jocko’s – Proudly serving Santa Maria-style BBQ in Nipomo since 1925.
Splash Cafe – Pismo Beach tourists and locals alike enjoy 40,000 gallons of award winning clam chowder annually.
The Range – An institution in fine dining with an unassuming location in downtown Santa Margarita.time tested
The Tribune – Est. 1869
Morris & Garritano – Est. 1885
Paso Robles Inn – Est. 1889
A.G. Meat Company – Est. 1897
CAL POLY SENIOR PROJECTS
Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica
In 1988, political science student and football player Joe DiFronzo didn’t want a career in politics or sports and chose to open a restaurant for his senior project. A second location was opened in Downtown SLO in 2005. After a fire in 2016, the Pismo Beach restaurant was rebuilt and is still going strong today.
Jamba
Jamba started in 1990 as “Juice Club,” a Cal Poly senior project by Kirk Perron and fellow students. The first store opened in San Luis Obispo. It was renamed Jamba Juice in 1995, inspired by a West African word meaning “celebration,” and later shortened to just “Jamba” in 2019 to reflect a broader menu.
Guayakí Yerba Mate
In 1996, Alex Pryor, a Food Science student, and David Karr, a Business student, inspired by traditional yerba mate culture in Argentina, combined their interests to launch Guayakí Yerba Mate. They started selling yerba mate in San Luis Obispo, initially focusing on loose leaf and later introducing ready-to-drink beverages.
CAL POLY GRADUATES
Slime
Slime began in 1989 when Cal Poly grad Steve Cegelski invented the bright green, nontoxic tire sealant in his Grover Beach garage. Now exported to over 36 countries, it’s the world’s most widely distributed tire sealant.
Grinds Coffee
Former Cal Poly baseball players and class of 2009 graduates Pat Pezet and Matt Canepa developed an innovative coffee pouch as a healthier alternative to chewing tobacco. Now they operate the business out of San Francisco, filling orders in 49 states.
Negranti Creamery
Alexis Negranti, a nutrition major, launched Negranti Creamery in 2010—the first U.S. creamery to offer 100% sheep’s milk ice cream. What began as a small operation selling to local restaurants and farmers’ markets has grown into multiple scoop shops with distribution across the West Coast.
ALSO CHECK OUT:
The Spice Hunter – Founded in SLO in 1980, they specialize in unique spice blends and all-natural foods.
Avila Grocery & Deli – In the heart of the promenade, it opened in 1920 as a community store offering amenities for oil workers and locals.
Old West Cinnamon Rolls – Betty Clemens’ recipe started in a Shell Beach kitchen and her original store opened in Pismo Beach in 1981.
