The Eddy is more than just a corner store in downtown Santa Barbara. It’s a vibrant community hub and a testament to the power of local connections.
Founded by Santa Barbara natives Alex Suhadolnik and Jennifer Steinwurtzel, The Eddy is a women-owned, community-led venture that champions local products and fosters relationships with nearby farms, food producers and artisans.
Local Commitment
From its inception, The Eddy, at 137 E. De la Guerra St. at the corner of Santa Barbara Street across from the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, has prioritized sourcing fresh, local ingredients.
As Suhadolnik and Steinwurtzel say, “When it comes to fresh, local is best.” Their partnerships with local farms like Lily’s Eggs in Fillmore, Tutti Frutti Farms in the Lompoc Valley and Milliken Family Farms in Santa Barbara ensure that their shelves are stocked with high-quality produce and eggs.
Artisan breads from Oat Bakery, Riviera Bread and Bree’osh add to the charm of their offerings, while grab-and-go options from Merci Montecito, Deux Bakery, Pinyon, Revolver and Satellite reflect the best of Santa Barbara’s culinary scene.
In the pantry, you’ll find local coffee from names like Considered Coffee and Coastal Coffee Collective, milk from Koatji and honey from Lily’s Eggs.
The freezer features indulgent treats like McConnell’s mini ice creams and pints from Creaminal and Rori’s, while Mission Rose Pasta provides fresh rigatoni and bucatini for home chefs.
Shared Values
The Eddy’s relationships with local producers are rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
“Alignment is an important criterion for us,” the founders note. “We like to think we share a common ethos.”
Many of these connections were formed through word of mouth and personal outreach, and they continue to evolve. The result is a curated collection of goods that reflects the dedication and heart of the local businesses behind them.
Customer Favorites
The Eddy’s customers have enthusiastically embraced its locally sourced offerings. Favorites include Deux’s turkey sandwich and chocolate chip cookie, Considered Coffee’s lavender matcha latte, Pinyon’s buckwheat chocolate chip cookie, Riviera’s sourdough breads, and Revolver’s muffuletta sandwich and market salad.
These items not only highlight the quality of local ingredients but also showcase the creativity of Santa Barbara’s food artisans.
Quality and Sustainability
To maintain the highest standards of quality and sustainability, The Eddy operates with a mindful approach, buying in small quantities to ensure quality and reduce waste.
Seasonal specialty items, like pies and cakes, are often available through pre-orders, while fresh goods are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Many of The Eddy’s partners also prioritize sourcing organic ingredients, ensuring a product lineup that aligns with the community’s environmental values.
Rotations and Collaborations
Seasonal changes bring new products and opportunities for discovery at The Eddy. Produce naturally varies with the seasons, and items like Sideyard’s fruit-infused vinegars add unique, seasonal flair to the store’s offerings.
Exclusive collaborations also play a key role in The Eddy’s identity. From their house-brand olive oil, sourced from a private estate in Los Olivos, to custom-designed goods by local artists like Sophie Rasura and Olivia Joffrey, these unique items reflect the store’s commitment to celebrating local talent.
Pop-ups and special events further strengthen the connection between customers and local artisans.
“It’s a wonderful way to bridge the gap between maker and product, creating a personal connection to the items we know and love,” the founders explain.
Building Community
At its core, The Eddy is about more than just food — it’s about community.
By supporting local farms, food producers and artisans, The Eddy has created a space where customers can feel connected to the people and stories behind the products.
For Suhadolnik and Steinwurtzel, this collaborative spirit is what defines their concept and fuels their passion.
The Eddy stands as a shining example of what happens when local businesses unite to celebrate community, creativity and good food.
Whether you’re picking up a fresh loaf of Riviera sourdough or a pint of Creaminal ice cream, every item tells a story of connection and care — a story The Eddy is proud to share with its customers.
