New Businesses in 2023

Downtown Santa Cruz is experiencing an unprecedented resurgence, welcoming an impressive lineup of new businesses bringing vibrancy back to the heart of the city. With a remarkable 27 businesses opening their doors since 2022, Downtown Santa Cruz is once again a bustling hub for shopping, dining, arts, culture and recreation.

Among the recent Grand Openings, Mariposa Coffee Bar, Pana Venezuelan, Alderwood Pacific, Gobi Mongolian BBQ, Santa Cruz Art Expressions, Terra & Self, Redwood Records, Golden Bliss, Mad Yolks and Pono Hawaiian Grill each garnered significant attention. Meanwhile, Nicely, Oasis and Front Street Vintage added unique finds to downtown’s thriving scene of over a dozen vintage fashion and furniture stores. Honey B Market and The Buzz Sushi have become vegetarian favorites, offering a wide selection of plant-based delicacies. And Firefly Tavern is the latest to open, offering up local craft food, beers, and wine-based cocktails. Each of these establishments has undergone extensive remodeling to create unique and welcoming spaces for Santa Cruz residents and visitors alike.

Furthermore, there are still more exciting developments to come! Sweet tooth lovers can look forward to the arrival of gourmet donuts, refreshing Italian ice, and handcrafted confections, adding to the already impressive array of culinary experiences available in Downtown Santa Cruz.

In addition to the numerous eateries, other notable establishments have recently emerged to cater to diverse interests and preferences. The Moon Beauty Salon has gained recognition for its inclusive environment, providing a welcoming space for all. Childish Toy Shop, in the iconic Del Mar Theater building, promises to delight children and parents alike with its range of engaging toys and games, and Lively Kids will open this summer with kids apparel. The combined efforts of all these new businesses have breathed new life into the downtown district, solidifying its status as one of the top Santa Cruz destinations.

Have you heard? More businesses are continuing to open Downtown!

Portal of Love at 1535 Pacific Avenue is serving up fancy, funky, fresh fashion to help you live your best life.

Next up is Izzy's Italian Ices at 106 Lincoln Street, started by a local Santa Cruz family in the space the was formerly True Olive Connection.

More sweets are on the horizon from Rock n' Roll Donut Bar, taking over the Starbuck's space at 1335 Pacific Avenue, and across the street, Ashby Confections from Scotts Valley is taking over the space between the new Gobi Mongolian BBQ and Pacific Trading Company at 1306 Pacific Avenue.

The owner of Pacific Thai has retired. Congratulations to Sam Kurita on over 17 years in business downtown. We look forward to welcoming Pretty Good Advice from Soquel into that space at 1319 Pacific Avenue as they open their second location.