April 25, 2023 – A new market is taking shape inside the store that used to be Aptos Natural Foods. Edible Monterey Bay got a sneak peek behind the butcher paper at the new Aptos Foods which is preparing to open in the next few weeks.
New proprietors Julie Kellman and Dan Hunt, who also own Seascape Foods, have renovated the space and decorated it with colorful murals, including an homage to the historic cement ship and recently demolished pier at nearby Seacliff Beach and other local scenes, all painted by Santa Cruz muralist Mckella Suter.
“We’ve been trying to freshen up the space and give it a new vibe and a sense of abundance,” said Kellman.
Similar to Seascape Foods, the mid-size market will carry a full selection of grocery items and specialty products.
A fresh produce section at the entrance will be stocked with fruits and vegetables from local farms, including Lakeside Organic Gardens and Nelson Family Farm in Corralitos. A grab-and-go case near the registers will be filled with prepared salads, sandwiches and baked goods brought over from the kitchen of the Seascape market.
An adjoining room, where the wellness section used to be, is already stocked with local wines and Champagne. Adjacent shelves hold a carefully-curated collection of kitchenware, including wooden salad bowls, utensils, baskets, knife racks, aprons and placemats.
A large circular table in the center of the room will showcase local artisanal culinary products, like salamis, sea salts and olive oils—and will be a great place to pick up a special treat or a quick hostess gift.
“I feel really optimistic that people are going to rediscover this place fast,” says Kellman.
With renovations pretty much complete, the owners are excited to open as soon as they can get the shelves fully stocked in the next few weeks.
About the author
Deborah Luhrman is publisher and editor of Edible Monterey Bay. A lifelong journalist, she has reported from around the globe, but now prefers covering our flourishing local food scene and growing her own vegetables in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
