The Isla Vista Food Cooperative has a second set of doors open.

And they’re not in Isla Vista.  

The co-op took over Cantwell’s Deli in January, introducing the college town’s community-owned grocery store to the heart of Santa Barbara. 

This expansion was a fight to keep the co-op alive, since the Isla Vista location has been struggling to stay afloat, says Sadie McDade, the Isla Vista Food Cooperative marketing manager.

“If we had continued with just Isla Vista,” McDade said, “I don’t think the co-op would’ve had sustainability for many more years.”

The reason, she said, was that student shoppers have become sparser in recent years — especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“We used to be pretty well sustained by the student population,” McDade said. “The shopping habit of students and the general foot traffic of Isla Vista has changed.” 

In Santa Barbara, the store can tap into a customer base where patrons “have a more stable income and can support and shop more regularly,” McDade said. 

Plus, more customers will have greater access to the fresh produce and locally owned benefits of a nearby food co-op.

“Isla Vista can be inaccessible for people if they’re coming from Santa Barbara,” McDade said. “This is a way to bring the co-op and all of the great values to the Santa Barbara community.”

And the transition out of Isla Vista should only help — not hurt — the original storefront.  

“There has been some concern that because we have a second location, Isla Vista isn’t getting the love and attention it was before,” McDade said. “This will allow us to put money and time back into Isla Vista.”

Now, the co-op team is reworking the Santa Barbara space to hold onto the old deli’s charm while bringing the convenience of a local market. 

The co-op purchased the business and products inside the store, but the building’s family ownership has stayed the same. 

New Operators Expand Grocery Offerings, Lower Prices

Since opening, the downtown market has filtered in sustainably sourced produce, health-conscious food products, and an expansive selection of wine — while keeping deli services alive — to make 1533 State St. a one-stop shop.

“Over the past few months, we have refreshed everything,” said McDade, noting the introduction of produce, dairy and eggs while still having freshly made burgers and breakfast. “You can actually do your grocery shopping here.” 

The new market should be more affordable, too, according to McDade.

“We lowered prices at least 30% across the whole store,” she said. “Making it a lot more sustainable for people to shop there.” 

The deli and market are both open daily, and the team hopes to introduce community-building events soon, McDade said. 

“Any who is able to shop and support, we welcome them in,” she said. “It’s not just a place to shop but a place to hang out and create a community.”