Business

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County’s tourism industry reached a major milestone in 2025, with travel spending climbing to $3.3 billion — a 4.1% increase over 2024 and surpassing the previous high of more than $3.2 billion set in 2019, according to the latest economic...

SOLEDAD — Wingstop was formally introduced to the community of Soledad last week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the new fast-food restaurant at 2135 H Dela Rosa St. Bill Shaw, developer of the Soledad Mission Center in Soledad, snipped a large green traditional...

SOLEDAD — Darinel Cortes can whip up just about anything in the kitchen, from popular Italian cuisines to delicate Thai dishes. He even learned how to roll sushi as of lately, something he was thrilled of accomplishing on his long list of goals in...

SOLEDAD — Once upon a time there was a lot of buzz going around Soledad with the anticipated opening of Reel Rock Brewery in 2025. But, according to co-owner Mike Carrillo, the project went flat just a couple of months after breaking ground last June...

GONZALES — City of Gonzales celebrated the installation of its first digital billboard along Highway 101 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 26. The high-resolution display, operated by Legacy Signs, is positioned on a single monopole to reach both northbound and southbound traffic. It is designed...

The one thing about living in South Monterey County is the joy of discovering hidden gems throughout the tri cities in Soledad, Gonzales and Greenfield. One of those hole-in-the-wall spots is Taqueria Pacheco, a tiny Mexican restaurant nestled inside La Placita Mercado at 325...

SALINAS VALLEY — Pacific Valley Bank has announced that Taylor Fresh Foods, parent company of the Taylor Farms operating companies, has acquired a 16.3% ownership stake in the bank. The investment represents a significant minority position by a locally based, family-owned company with long-standing operations...

MONTEREY COUNTY — See Monterey released its FY2025-26 Business Plan with the objective of maximizing economic impact for the community while ensuring lasting benefit, all guided by the Monterey County Tourism 2030 (MCT 2030) long-term strategic roadmap. The plan for the year includes expanding the...

SOLEDAD — City of Soledad has launched its new Retail Map of Soledad, a key feature of this year’s “Shop Local – Shop Soledad” holiday campaign. Designed to make holiday shopping easier and more enjoyable, the Retail Map highlights local boutiques, restaurants, service providers and...

SOLEDAD — Soledad Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of its Shop Local Program in the form of a “Soledad Chamber eGift Card.” Unlike traditional gift cards tied to a single store, the Soledad Chamber eGift Card can be redeemed at any participating local...