Longtime employee Jaime Desales Sr. and his son will take over the Milpas Street market in Santa Barbara
byJoshua Molina, Noozhawk South County Editor
Tri-County Produce has been resurrected.
The popular market on Milpas Street in Santa Barbara, known for its slogan “If it’s any fresher it’s still in the fields,” will continue under new ownership, after the previous owner last month said the business was going to close.
Longtime employeeJaime Desales Sr., along with his son,Jaime Desales Jr., will step in to lead the produce market into its next chapter.
“This market has been like a second home to me,” Desales Sr. said. “To now have the opportunity to lead it with my son by my side is both humbling and exciting.”
Desales Sr. has been with Tri-County Produce for 26 years, and brings not only deep industry knowledge but also a passion for the market that has defined his career, according to a statement.
In 1985,John Dixonand his father,Jim Dixon, took over the market from the Elliott family — marking the beginning of a new era rooted in family and community values.
Now, history echoes itself as the Desales family continues the tradition of passing the torch from one devoted generation to the next, according to a statement from the Dixon family.
John Dixonis enthusiastic about the new ownership.
“Seeing Jaime Sr. and Jr. take over the reins is one of the most rewarding moments of my career,” Dixon said. “Jaime has been an integral part of this business for over two decades — he knows it inside and out.”
Dixon said watching Desales Sr. and his son carry Tri-County Produce forward gives him great peace and pride.
“I know the market is in excellent hands,” Dixon said. “I’m truly grateful that the store will remain open, continuing to serve the community that means so much to me.”
Austin HerlihyandChris Parker, the owners and general partners of the housing development planned for the property that the market shares, support the change.
“We’re excited to see this local institution keep its doors open with longtime employees at the helm,” Herlihy said.
Parker added: “There’s no better way to preserve the spirit of Tri-County Produce than by entrusting it to the people who played a big part in building it.”
The Desales family is also thrilled about the change.
“This opportunity wouldn’t be possible without the support and encouragement from John Dixon, Mr. Herlihy and Mr. Parker and theirpartners,” Desales Jr. said. “We’re incredibly grateful, and we’re committed to continuing the tradition of offering the freshest produce and the best service in town.”
Tri-County Produce was founded in 1966 as a wholesale distributor. In 1976, the warehouse was transformed into apublic farmers market offering fresh, local produce to the community.
In 1985, the store waspurchased by the father-son team of Jim and John Dixon, who expanded the market’s offerings to includegourmet natural foods, beer, wine, and fresh meat and seafood.
Dixon had recently partnered with Herlihy and Parker to build housing on the property that Tri-County Produce shares, at 335 S. Milpas St.
Herlihy, Parker and investorspurchased the property for $9.75 million in 2022. Theyplan to maintain the market as is, and build 10 studios, 18 one-bedroom units and 25 two-bedroom units in a four-story building on the lot behind the store.
Joshua Molina, Noozhawk South County Editor
— Noozhawk South County editor Joshua Molina can be reached at jmolina@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
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