Business closures, grand openings and local events
Zest Fresh Pastry West— located at 512 Main St. in Woodland — is closing for good due to the financial strain the coronavirus pandemic has created for the small business.
“Unfortunately I have come to the realization that we are not going to be able to dig ourselves out of the financial hole that we have landed in as a result of the past year and a half,” Erin Morris, owner of Zest, said in a Saturday Facebook post.
“The financial toll is just too high for a small business that never had the chance to build a foundation.”
The Main Street pastry shop opened its doors nine months before the coronavirus pandemic, which gave the small local business little time to adjust and gain a strong customer base.
“But you showed up, and for that, I am eternally grateful,” she emphasized.
Morris said the shop will remain open through one last holiday season but will shut its doors after Christmas. Zest has also changed its hours and will only be open for walk-in business on Fridays and Saturdays starting Monday.
Pre-orders and wholesale will continue as usual and anyone who has made orders beyond December will be reached out to in the next few days to discuss options, according to Morris.
Morris also mentioned that she will re-instate her cottage food license and bake on a much smaller scale after closing her business.
“I am heartbroken but I know this is the right decision. Thank you so much for your patience and support as we navigate this.”
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Hooby’s Brewing Farm is closing for the season due to the cold and rain, which recently caused a lot of flooding and mud on the farm, according to a Hooby’s Brewing Facebook post.
The family-owned business — located at 24830 Co Rd. 95 in Davis — is the city’s newest outdoor brewery location. It opened at the end of May and is mainly operated by twin sisters Courtney and Jackie Stocking.
“Look for possible pop-up days if the weather cooperates, and remember, our Winters taproom remains open all year long so please come visit us there in the meantime,” the post stated.
The taproom is located at 9 E Main St. Suite J in Winters and is open Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
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The HIVE — a new building that houses Z Specialty Food’s operations — invites people to its grand opening where they can enjoy a weekend full of interactive events for all ages, honey, mead tastings, tours of its garden and facility, live music, food and local vendors.
The grand opening will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, and is free for the public to attend.
“As the seasons change, bringing shorter days and cooler weather, now is a great time to reflect on what nourishes us in our lives,” Joshua Zeldner, Nectar Director for Z Specialty Food, stated. “Bundle up and gather around a fire with your favorite people enjoying the foods that bring you the most joy and taking a moment to relish in your accomplishments.”
Zeldner noted how far the new facility has come in the last four years having transformed an empty 3-acre patch of land into a 20,000 square foot, zero net energy facility and event space.
“We managed all of this without compromising our family values and in the midst of the diagnosis of a brain tumor and death of Ishai Zeldner, my father, our founder,” Zeldner highlighted. “Ishai’s love is embedded in every detail of The HIVE and Z Specialty Food.”
“Thank you for the ways you contribute to our community and for making this humble family business possible. We hope to see you at our grand opening and beyond.”
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The Yolo County Vineyard and Winery Association will be holding its inaugural Fall Wine Ramble Saturday, Nov. 13, and Sunday, Nov. 14, which will feature wine tasting, food trucks and live entertainment, according to the event’s Facebook page.
People interested can visit 11 local wineries at 13 locations across Yolo County. Participating wineries include Berryessa Gap Vineyards, Capay Valley Vineyards, Elevation Ten, and Great Bear Vineyards.
“This is a family-friendly event you won’t want to miss,” the post said. “Each winery will be partnering with a charity in order to give back all weekend long.”
Some of the charity’s the wineries will be partnering with include Meals on Wheels, Yolo Crisis Nursery, and Winters Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Visit the event’s Facebook page — Fall Wine Ramble — for more information on participating wineries and their locations.
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Matchbook Wine Company will be holding its Matchbook Fall Vendor Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, which will feature local vendors including Sugar Smash Bakery, Art by Persci, Almond Lane and Rise and Wine, according to the event’s Facebook page.
Jimmy Ashley — a musician from Napa — will be playing acoustic guitar on the wine company’s patio and Yolo Food Bank will be accepting monetary donations during the event.
There is still space for more vendors. If interested, email Tasting Room Manager Maureen Henderson at mhenderson@matchbookwines.com.
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Northern Valley Indian Health Clinic — located at 1280 E. Gibson Rd — is now open in Woodland and will have an open house and ribbon-cutting with the city’s Chamber of Commerce from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16.
The 20,000-square-foot facility includes both medical and behavioral health services, which allows the clinic to offer the community a variety of health services, according to Inder Wadhwa, CEO of Northern Valley Indian Health.
The event will feature health fair booths, light refreshments and tours of the facility. Mask and social distancing requirements will be in effect.