Davis plant shop to close
Also, news on Bourbons & More, a new deli, Lamppost Pizza and Scout Christmas trees
Happy Thanksgiving! If you’re not too full, I have some business news nuggets to nosh on this holiday. First, some sad news …
Citing rising costs, tariffs and other employment opportunities, the owners of the Davis plant shop Growing Groves say it will close in mid-December.
Lawrence Groves and Ricky Barosa opened the store in April 2022 at 219 E St., above what would become Bull ’N Mouth.
The owners get their plants and products from local vendors and nurseries, and support other small businesses that share their progressive culture and values.
“Unfortunately, the cost of wholesale plants has doubled – or even tripled – in some cases, so it just became unfeasible to continue,” Barosa said in an email. “Tariffs on pottery were also a factor.”
Barosa works in the biotech industry, and was laid off from his local job in August. In October, he moved to Portland, Oregon for a new position. That’s been a strain on the couple, in a relationship since the start of COVID.
Groves said in an Instagram post, “This has been one of the hardest decisions I have made in a long time. … Running a small business is no small feat, especially when you’re running it alone. … This is not an outcome any of us wanted.”
They thanked small business vendors who came to their markets, those who adopted animals from their events with the Yolo County Animal Shelter, and people who purchased things at Growing Groves.
They urged customers to continue to support local, small businesses – a timely reminder as the holiday shopping season launches. “PLEASE support and purchase from your local small business. THEY are your friends, family and neighbors, not big corporations,” the social media post said. “We had a blast running the shop, and we are looking forward to the next chapter of our lives. Please keep an eye out as we post about furniture and other things we will be selling.”
Barosa said when the shop closes, Groves will move to Portland “and take a well-deserved break before he finds a new role.”
“We’ve made beautiful memories during our time in Davis, and we are sad to leave California,” Barosa said. “But in this economic climate, we need to be smart and fast with these types of decisions. We want to thank the community of Davis for all the support throughout the years!”
→ Clarification: In Monday’s newsletter, I referred to Milestones Movement Therapy as a physical therapy center, which was inaccurate. It’s a movement therapy center.