Popular produce store on Santa Barbara’s Eastside Tri-County Produce will close its doors at the end of April.

“This marks the end of an era for Tri-County Produce, but John’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of the many individuals he has touched throughout the years,” the company said in a statement Friday. “Tri-County Produce will always remain an important part of Santa Barbara’s history, and John Dixon will forever be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the community.”

Tri-County Produce was originally founded in 1966 as a wholesale distributor. In 1976, the warehouse was transformed into a public farmers’ market, offering fresh, local produce to the community.

In 1985, the store was purchased by father-son team of Jim and John Dixon, who expanded the market’s offerings to include gourmet natural foods, beer, wine, and fresh meat and seafood.

“Over the years, Tri-County Produce became a cherished institution for locals, known for its high-quality products and exceptional service,” according to a news release.

Dixon had recently partnered with Austin Herlihy and Chris Parker to build housing on the property that Tri-County Produce shares, at 335 S. Milpas St.

Herlihy, Parker and investors purchased the property for $9.75 million in 2022.

They planned 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.

But Dixon said in a statement that it was time for him to retire.

“As John approaches his 64th birthday, he looks forward to enjoying his well-earned retirement,” the statement says. “Chris and Austin have been incredibly supportive of John’s desire to retire and have worked out an arrangement for him to either terminate the lease or sell the business.”

The statement notes that Jim Dixon died in 2016, and that John Dixon “carried on the family legacy, continuing to serve the Santa Barbara community with the same dedication and care. Under his stewardship, Tri-County Produce became more than just a grocery store; it became a beloved gathering place for customers, many of whom became lifelong friends.” 

The housing development is working its way through the city’s development process after recently getting approval from the Architectural Board of Review.