Edhat Staff
Tri-County Produce will close its doors permanently at the end of April, announced owner John Dixon.
Located at 335 S. Milpas Street, the customer-serving grocery warehouse has been a fixture in Santa Barbara since 1966. With Dixon proudly at the helm for the past 40 years, he’s announced the closure is due to his decision to retire.
“After much thought, sadness and joy, I have come to the decision to finally retire after 40 years in business,” said Dixon. He emphasized how this local grocery store became a beloved gathering place for customers, many of whom became his lifelong friends.
Tri-County Produce was originally founded in 1966 as a wholesale distributor serving the three coastal counties. In 1976, under the ownership of Virgil and Marie Elliot, the warehouse was transformed into a public farmers market, offering fresh, local produce to the community.
In 1985, the store was purchased by father-son team Jim and John Dixon, who expanded the market’s offerings to include gourmet natural foods, beer, wine, and fresh meat and seafood.
Following the passing of Jim Dixon in 2016, John carried on the family legacy, continuing to serve the Santa Barbara community with the same dedication and care.
In 2021, local developers Chris Parker and Austin Herlihy, backed by local investors, approached Dixon with a proposal to build housing while preserving the Tri-County Produce building.
The real estate developers paid $9.7 million for the 1.35 acres at the corner of Milpas and Por La Mar Drive in 2022.
Dixon stated Tri-County Produce has been his life’s work and he has enjoyed every moment of it – and took great pride in providing employment opportunities to the youth of Santa Barbara. As he approaches his 64th birthday he said he looks forward to enjoying his well-earned retirement.
Developers Parker and Herlihy have worked out an arrangement for Dixon to either terminate the lease or sell the business, according to a statement by Tri-County Produce.
“We are looking forward to continue serving our community until the end of April 2025, please continue supporting our local farmers and employees by shopping at Tri-County Produce,” the statement read.
https://www.independent.com/2024/09/05/developers-revise-housing-proposal-for-tri-county-produce-site-on-santa-barbaras-eastside/
Total bummer, but you can’t blame Dixon – that’s a damn good run. Successfully running a small, local business ain’t easy. Unfortunately it looks like the spot may be going from a productive, local business selling nutritious food to a big development for what? Another hotel, another bunch of condos for rich 2nd/3rd home buyers to drive up for the weekend? On the other hand, maybe the local investors are planning to turn it into a shelter for unhoused folks. That could happen right?
When did you ever run a business?
I didn’t. My parents did here for 25 years. Thanks for asking?
So that would be a no.
Years ago I believe there use to be a business specializing in making coffins. Anyone know if this is still in the area near the produce store?
925 Calle Puerto Vallarta (95% sure). I believe it was a wholesale/distribution business and not a manufacturer.
I lived off Milpas for about 30 years. Than k you for your wonderful store.
Why not wait until finding a buyer to make the announcement?