Category: Local Business Spotlight

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Business Food & Beverage Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight

Top 3 Best Breakfast Spots in The 805

Ever looking for a nice breakfast spot to eat at? Check out my favorite 3 spots to go have a nice brunch out here locally in Ventura County!

Breakfast Burrito w/ Country Potato’s

3. Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut
(Oxnard, CA)

One of my top 3 breakfast spots to go to is Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut. Located at 2800 A Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA, this breakfast restaurant is lovely for its outside patio because of its scenic view of being by the harbor where people dock their boats, being close to the water, and for the patio being all sand to make it feel like you are having breakfast on the beach. Mrs. Olson’s has been around for 50 years! “What started as a small coffee shop only holding 45 people, it has grown into a neighborhood favorite breakfast restaurant being able to hold 350 people” says new owner of Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut. “Based off our sales, The Big Basic (2 eggs, potatoes or hash browns, choice bacon sausage or turkey sausage. beef patty or ham steak with additional charge) has to be our customers favorite dish along with The Breakfast Burrito and the Chilaquiles.”

My favorite dishes at Mrs. Olson’s are:
1.Country Fried Steak and Eggs ($18)
2.Classic Eggs Benedict ($15).
3.Chilaquiles ($16)

Everything on the menu is super delicious. Great food and great customer service, hands down a beautiful environment to be eating breakfast by the beach.

2. BG’s Cafe (Oxnard,CA)

BG’s Cafe is what you really call a “Hole-In-The-Wall” breakfast joint where it is really easy to miss on the front street, but the trick is to enter through the back of the restaurant where there is more parking . Located on 428 S A St, Oxnard, CA
BG’s Cafe has been serving delicious food since 1971 in downtown Oxnard. This family-owned restaurant has the tastiest coffee I’ve ever tried , and I don’t usually have the care for drinking coffee.

My Go-To meals at BG’s Cafe are:
1. Homemade Chilaquiles with Country Potato’s and Eggs -$18 (seen in photo). This is an everyday favorite Mexican breakfast and also a customer favorite item.
2. The Ham Steak and Eggs -$20. This dish comes out with a huge slab of cooked ham and comes with a side of eggs, golden hash browns and some fruit.

BG’s Cafe is truly a hidden gem, I’ve been going here ever since I was a little kid and the food has only gotten more delicious. I highly recommend visiting this great establishment.

Chilaquiles w/ Eggs and Potato’s
New York Steak and Eggs w/ Country Potato’s

1. Arts Corner Cafe (Ventura,CA)

My personal favorite breakfast spot to go to is Arts Corner Cafe. Arts Corner Cafe is a top tier breakfast spot in Ventura. This family-owned restaurant is located on the corner at 1907 E Thompson Blvd, Ventura, CA. Arts is a lovely breakfast restaurant to go to on a date, eat with family, or just to simply get good food. They have a nice outdoor area to eat your food along with indoor seating as well, but I prefer to eat outside. They also have amazing cocktails for the 21+ crowd that comes on by. My go to drink is their Paloma $12. A customer favorite is their Mimosas that come in this big goblet for $12-$15.

The main 2 items I order are:
1. The Cinnamon Roll – $11
This big cinnamon roll is great for an appetizer or dessert so make sure to not be eating alone. Comes with this rich glazed cream and some syrup on the side. This item is a for sure another customer favorite!
2. New York Steak and Eggs w/ Country Style potato’s – $30
(seen in the photo). The juicy steak is covered with a chimichurri sauce over it and blends really well in flavor with the eggs and potato’s.

The whole menu has really great quality food and drinks. It can be expensive but that’s why you get the amazing love and quality type of food they prepare. The customer service is also welcoming to all! I suggest getting there early in the morning because they are usually packed as the day goes by.

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Business Clothing Fashion & Retail Local Business Spotlight

Express Your Individual Style with Trending Items: A Spotlight on B Max Clothing.

Leslee Ramirez said, “Whenever I want to shop for trendy, high-quality items, I visit B Max Clothing.”

Have you ever found yourself spending an entire day visiting countless clothing stores in search of a pair of shoes for that dress? Or a skirt for that birthday party you were invited to next weekend? You’re probably a shopping lover (like me), but these kinds of situations can definitely be frustrating when it seems like we’ve searched the entire city and there’s not a single place that has anything worthy of our attention.

With rising prices and constantly changing fashion trends, it’s become increasingly difficult to find a place that offers clothing, accessories, and shoes worth buying at affordable prices. People today only shop online to save time, but I think it’s important to support local businesses. Besides, when it comes to buying clothes or shoes, there’s nothing better than trying them on and checking the quality in-person before you make a purchase.

I have visited numerous clothing stores throughout my life, and I can say that I always go back to those that caught my attention the first time I saw their window displays. But there is one in particular that I cannot resist visiting.

B Max Clothing is a boutique located in Fillmore, California. They have a wide range of items, including shoes, accessories, and clothing. The business targets women—from teenagers to adults—and all these beautiful ladies will undoubtedly find themselves walking out of this store with a new purchase.

A fantastic store is always up to date with the latest fashion trends. However, you may find different items or clothing colors depending on the season. For example, in fall, you might find high boots or a brown sweater, and in spring-summer, you might find a wide variety of open-toe shoes or sleeveless tops.

The in-store atmosphere has a California vibe. When you walk into the store, there is good music playing, from English pop to Spanish ballads. They also have a weekly arrivals section and a plus-sizes section. One of my favorite sections is the accessories section. Seriously, I could spend hours looking at the necklaces and earrings.

  • Accessories section

The customer service is excellent, whether you interact with a staff member or the store owner. I mention this because I have experienced it firsthand. Let me tell you about a time when I was looking for a pair of shoes to wear with a dress I had previously purchased. At the time, I wasn’t sure what color or style I was looking for, so I picked up the first pair that caught my eye. The owner was there, and I remember our interaction very well. She gave me her opinion on the right size for me and which ones would go best with my dress. To be honest, I think there’s nothing like feeling welcomed when you arrive at a shop; it definitely makes you want to come back.

You can find the store as @bmaxclothing on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and TikTok. I recommend checking out their Instagram (their most active social media platform) and watching the content they have posted. You can also visit their website B Max Clothing. Do not hesitate to stop by B Max Clothing the next time you want to go shopping.

Store address: 508 Santa Clara st, Fillmore, California 93015.

Hours: Mon-Sat•10am-8pm | Sun•11am-4pm.

Phone: (805) 625-7105

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Local Business Spotlight Student Life at VC

The People Yearn For Community – Where is Your Third Space?

We all enjoy spending time with our friends and family but sometimes it can be hard to figure out what to do and where to go. Sure, going out for coffee or lunch is always nice but sometimes you don’t always want to spend tons of money just to hang out. That’s where the idea of a third space comes in — the place you go that’s not home or work. Third spaces help build community, allow for quality time to be spent with your people or yourself, and can even help you meet new people that have similar interests. Discovering a niche spot to spend time in that costs little to no money can seem pretty difficult sometimes. That’s why I’d like to highlight some pretty cool local spots that you may not even know about.

For all the music lovers out there I’d like to introduce The Grape. The Grape is a jazz club/bar in Ventura that has a warm and inviting atmosphere, where you can enjoy live music, bring in outside food, grab a drink, and dance with little to no entrance fee.

My dad frequently goes to The Grape and I love joining him whenever I get the chance. I decided to interview him about his experiences here and what keeps him coming. He talked a lot about the cool atmosphere and vibe that The Grape offers but also states, “what really keeps me coming here is all the local bands and artists that they frequently host.” Following that thought saying. “I love how they’re conveniently right down the street.” So the next time you’re bored and not sure what to do maybe listening to some live music at The Grape is a good option for you.

Another place I wanted to put some spotlight on is Night Owl Ciderworks in downtown Ventura. This is a really cool family owned cider tasting room. They often host various pop up events, like local artists, karaoke, drag bingo, etc. However even if there isn’t an event going on this is still a super cool place to spend some time. They invite you to come hang out, bring outside food, play games, and if you’re really feeling it crack open your laptop and get some work done. So if you’re looking for an inexpensive change in scenery to hang out perhaps check out Night Owl.

Or perhaps your niche is board games. If this is the case then maybe Punchboard Cathedral game room is for you. This is a new spot that just opened up in downtown Ventura that offers a wide variety of board games to play, anything from simple games to highly strategic games. You can come in with friends or by yourself and meet new people. With an inviting, comfortable atmosphere this could just be your new third space.

My main objective with this article was to highlight some local niche third space options that might be new to some people. Third spaces are all around us whether this be your local park, local hiking trails, the beach, local libraries, the list goes on. But if you’re feeling like you might want to expand your options and find something more specific to your personal niches then maybe one of the options I’ve listed above might be a good fun option for you to check out!

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Food & Beverage Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight

Local Ventura County Asian Eats You Don’t Want to Miss

Are you tired of eating the same boring Asian cuisine? If so, I would highly recommend you trying Minato Sushi as well as Matna 1631.

If you are in the mood for some sushi, go visit Minato Sushi, which is located in Thousand Oaks. When you walk into the restaurant you first notice the layout. They have an area where you can watch the chefs prepare the food as well as the brown trimmings along the wall which give off a Japanese-style vibe. For someone who does not eat that much sushi I was overwhelmed with the many sushi roll options that they provided. So I talked to a customer named Andy and asked him what his favorite rolls were and why he enjoyed coming to Minato Sushi.

“In my opinion, Minato Sushi has the freshest fish in Ventura County and my favorite sushi roll on the menu would have to be Crunch Roll.”

For someone who is not fan of raw fish, this Crunch Roll is a great substitute to fit your sushi cravings. The outer shell was crispy and the salmon, tuna, albacore, and crab were cooked perfectly and it was paired with this eel sauce and aioli that was sweet and savory which complimented the fish well. Most of all the service was excellent and the staff were very professional making it a great experience.

Another restaurant you should try out is Matna 1631 in Ventura, which specializes in Korean cuisine. The word Matna is translated to “delicious” in Korean and the number 1631 is an important number to the owner Yuri Kim. When you first enter the restaurant you are greeted by the workers. The decorations and lighting are bright and comfy and give off a cute vibe.

When I talked to one of the workers, Olivia, she was very helpful when recommending what to order and how to pair the certain Korean sauces with the dish. She suggested I order the Rose Tteok-bokki, and the Katsu.

The Rose Tteok-bokki had a nice bouncy and chewy texture, which when mixed with that rich tomatoes sauce, enhanced the dish. The katsu was juicy and had a nice crispy crust and dipped in the sweet and spicy sauce that Olivia had recommended balanced out the dish. I think the staff knew I was Korean because as I was about to leave they all said “annyeong gaseyo” which means goodbye in Korean and I thought that was pretty funny.

If you ever happen to be around either place go in and give it a try and you will not be disappointed with the service or food.

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Business Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight

The Good, The Bad and the Hungry

“I probably go to Marco’s once, if not twice a week.”

Marco’s Pizza is a staple of quality food at an affordable restaurant in Ventura County. Although it is a chain restaurant, the closest one to here can be found in Canoga Park. Otherwise it is in a different state entirely. Recently, Marco’s has undergone several closures in other states. Upon my recent discovery, as well as many other Ventura locals and students who depend on Marco’s for a weekly pick me up (when cooking seems out of the question) – the sign on their door left in early January seemed to show that they were yet another member of the chain to experience a closure. “I probably go to Marco’s once if not twice a week,” says Angelo Zirpolo, a local mother and student. “What’s crazy is I had just got it the night before the sign went up in their door.” And Angela is not alone as 41% of Americans get pizza at least once a week. The number grows to 55 to 75% of Americans if you exclude pizza and just look at eating out once a week or more. The good news is this closure is temporary which wasn’t known until the recent sign replacing the old one informed us they are simply temporarily closed due to a change in ownership. This comes as great news as we definitely see a revolving door of restaurants coming and going in Ventura County and we myself included love our staples. The other good news is Topper’s, another (and if not more loved) pizza restaurant is alive and well until Marco’s doors open up again. The thing in my opinion that separates Marco’s from other Pizza joints is their journey as well as their vow to use organic ingredients as seen on their website. Quality ingredients (without endocrine disrupting additives like the ones seen in Dominos Pizza and Little Caesar’s) coupled with affordability seems priceless at a time when prices seem to do nothing but rise every time we blink an eye. With that being said, we look ahead and forward to the near future when Marco’s is back open.

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Business Food & Beverage Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight Social Media Student Life at VC

Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters Has the Top 5 Beverages in Town!

Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters, located at The Collection in The Annex in Oxnard, is known for its popular and high quality drinks. The top five best selling drinks are the Cloudy Day Matcha, The VCB , Iced Shaken Expresso, Horchata Cold Brew and Bourbon Caramel Latte. The Bourbon latte ranks first because it has a smooth, sweet flavor that you can’t ever go wrong with. The iced Shaken Expresso latte ranks second and is also very popular, especially on warm days, strong with a refreshing taste. The matcha latte stands out as a unique option, not the biggest fan of matcha I rank it third and the VCB wasn’t personally a favorite of mine, it has a very bidder taste with a not so good after taste, as for the Horchata Cold Brew I was rank that last place it taste like watered down cinnamon water. Overall, these drinks represent the shop’s most popular and customer favorite choices!

The spot is a welcoming spot that makes a great study place for students. The cozy inside area and the outdoor seating give people plenty of space to sit, focus, and relax while working on homework or meeting with friends. The atmosphere feels calm and comfortable, which helps students stay productive. The pricing is also reasonable, with most drinks ranging from about $8 to $9. They offer a wide variety of drink options along with pastries, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy while studying.

The service was excellent there, they all seemed friendly to one another as well as to the customers they made conversation asking how are days went as well as other small talk.

The local barista from Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters Alexis says, “Not only do we serve fresh coffee everyday we also have a great connection with our loyal customers and that’s something that I can say why we’re the best coffee spot in town.”

Once again, here’s the Top 5 coffee beverages at Ragamuffin:

  • Cloudy Day Matcha
  • The VCB
  • Horchata Cold Brew
  • Iced Shaken Expresso
  • The Bourbon latte
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Local Business Spotlight

A Family, A Farm, A Legacy: The Maulhardt Family

Since 1867, the Maulhardt family has helped shape Ventura County’s agricultural landscape, building not just a farming operation, but a lasting commitment to the community. Jeff Maulhardt, a fifth-generation Oxnard native, represents that history today. When I met Jeff Maulhardt in person, I quickly realized I wasn’t just learning about a farm, I was learning about a legacy that began over 150 years ago. Sitting down with him and hearing the story firsthand made it clear that the Maulhardt family’s impact on Ventura County goes far beyond agriculture. For over a century, their family has worked the land while adapting to change and staying deeply connected to the community.

During our conversation, I asked Jeff what Oxnard was like when his family first arrived. “There was absolutely no farming yet; this 44,000 acres that became Oxnard had no trees,” said Jeff. As he spoke, I tried to picture that empty landscape and compare it to the busy city we see today. The contrast was striking.

After reflecting on the past, I wanted to understand the future. I asked Jeff how young people today can get involved in continuing the legacy his family helped create. “By visiting different historic sites in the county and finding something that connects to them,” he said. His response emphasized that involvement begins with awareness. By exploring local history and understanding the roots of the community, young people can discover what inspires them and find their own place within Ventura County’s evolving story.

Meeting Jeff made it clear that the Maulhardt story is not just about one family, it is part of Ventura County’s broader identity. As the Oxnard continues to grow, remembering how it began may be the key to shaping where it goes next.

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Business Fashion & Retail Food & Beverage Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight Student Life at VC

Best Ventura County Hidden Gem

If you have been looking for the perfect coffee shop in Ventura County let me introduce you to Heritage Coffee & Gifts. This family owned coffee shop is located on 210 W 7th Street in Oxnard, California. You can find it as one of the many establishments in Heritage Square. It is owned and managed by Fernando and Teresa Larios and their son Carlos Larios. They offer specialty espresso and coffee drinks, as well as sandwiches and pastries.

While I was here, I ordered two drinks and a sandwich to really try this place out and give it an honest review. The drinks that I ordered were a honey lavender latte and a turmeric latte. I also got their caprese panini.

I decided on the honey lavender latte (pictured on the left) because the barista said that one was her favorite, so I had to give it a try. I loved that it was not overly sweet. I find that a lot of coffee places have overly sweet drinks where you can barely taste the coffee. This drink had the perfect subtle sweet with a dash of florals from the lavender. I can definitely see why this was one of her favorites.

I ordered the turmeric latte (pictured above on the right) because I had never seen or heard of anything like that before. I was so intrigued that I had to try it. I’m surprised to say it was really good. I thought it was not going to taste the best because turmeric is generally supposed to have a warm, bitter, earthy taste to it. I can definitely pick up hints of that but in a good way. The warmth was very slight and after the first few sips you could barely notice it. I quite enjoyed the earthy taste of it. I’d say the turmeric latte is on the same level of earthy flavor as a Thai tea would be.

I very much enjoyed both of those drinks and would get them again. I got my drinks with oat milk instead of cows milk and I am so thankful that they had other options. As someone who is both vegetarian and lactose intolerant, I am grateful when places have accommodations.

In addition to the drinks, I also got their caprese panini which has pesto, mozzarella cheese, and sun dried tomatoes on sourdough bread. The panini was freshly made to order so it was warm and melty. The bread was toasted to perfection with satisfying char marks on the side. Honestly one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in a while. There is something to great when a simple recipe is done well.

I had the pleasure of getting to speak to Mr. Carlos Larios (owner/manager) when I went into the store to try it out. He was very kind and a great conversationalists. We started talking about what exactly they sell, when he said something that made me smile.

“More than anything, we really want to create a friendly and welcoming environment for everyone who comes in.”

I can say that they 100% accomplish that feeling. From the second I stepped foot inside, the room was filled with people talking and laughing. There was only one open table, which told me that business was going well. What makes this place feel so homey and unique is because it is in an actual house. All of Heritage Square is made of old houses turned into shops or businesses. The coffee shop is where a front living room would essentially be. Make sure to check out the video below to get a peak of what the inside looks like.

Inside, there is a fire place with a TV above it that plays calming and relaxing music on Spotify so people can see what they are listening to. In front of the fireplace is a coffee table that is surrounded by sofas. It really helps to bring that warm and welcoming feeling in. It truly does feel like you just stepped into someone’s home. They even have a counter designated for other local businesses cards so their customers can see and take them. The video also highlights the gift shop that is connected to the coffee shop. The gift shop features all handmade items. Some of them were even made by the owner Teresa Larios.

If you are in the area, this place is a can’t miss! I might have found my new favorite go to spot and I can’t wait to try out the other things they have to offer. Make sure to also follow them on their social media, linked below.

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Food & Beverage Local Business Spotlight

My Go-To Coffee Spots in Ventura County

I feel like I am always trying new coffee spots, especially during the semester when I need a change of scenery. Sometimes I just do not want to sit at home and study, and I focus better when I get out of the house. I decided to check out three coffee shops in Ventura County: Ragamuffin in Oxnard, Caje in Ventura, and Honey Cup in Oxnard. Even though they are all pretty close to each other, they each have a pretty different vibe.

Ragamuffin, Oxnard

Ragamuffin is located within The Annex at The Collection in Oxnard, and the first thing I noticed was how much seating there is. It feels open and not cramped, which I really liked. Some coffee shops can feel crowded fast, but here there is a ton of space to actually sit and stay for a while.

Another thing I liked is that The Annex has a lot of other food spots inside. So if you go to Ragamuffin for a drink, you can walk across and grab food from somewhere else. That makes it convenient if you are meeting friends or planning to stay longer.

I ordered a vanilla matcha and it was really good. The vanilla did not overpower the matcha, which I liked. It tasted smooth and balanced without being overly sweet. It was simple but still really good and I will for sure be ordering it again.

Caje, Ventura

Caje is honestly one of my favorite coffee shops in Ventura County. The vibe is so cute and since it’s downtown, you can grab your drink then walk around Main Street for a while.

I tried their lavender matcha and I loved it. Lavender can sometimes taste too strong but theirs was balanced well. You can actually taste the lavender without it overpowering the matcha. Out of everything I tried, this one was definitely my favorite.

I also felt like I was able to focus more while studying at Caje. They have seating that is more tucked into a corner, so it feels a little more private. I did not feel as distracted, which is a bit surprising since it is downtown and usually busier.

Another thing that makes Caje stand out is that it is also a cocktail bar so you can go during the day for coffee and go at night for a cute cocktail. I think this makes it stand out from other coffee shops within the area.

Honey Cup, Oxnard

Honey Cup is a smaller coffee shop, so there is not as much seating. It is not really a place you would go to study for hours, but it is still really cute and inviting.

They have good coffee, but the cinnamon roll is what got me. It is honestly one of the best cinnamon rolls I’ve tried. It was soft, flavorful, and not dry at all. When I go back, I will for sure be ordering it again.

Final Thoughts

After going to all three, I realized how much the environment changes the entire experience.

Ragamuffin feels more open and convenient. Caje feels more trendy and has my favorite matcha. Honey Cup feels smaller and more cozy, with the best cinnamon roll.

They are all in Ventura County, but give off different moods depending on what you are looking for that day.

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Local Business Spotlight

Best Tacos in Oxnard

​I had the pleasure of interviewing a small business owner in Oxnard. He runs one of the best taco catering trucks around called Tacos El Vladis. You can find them located in the Chevron gas station parking lot off Vineyard and Oxnard Blvd. His tacos are amazing honestly some of the best I’ve ever tasted in town. My personal favorite is the Tacos de Al Pastor, which is pork with al pastor sauce, onions, cilantro, and avocado. I always pair it with an Agua de Horchata (cinnamon rice water).

​Here are the questions I asked the owner:

​1. What is the name of your shop? Tacos Vladimir.

​2. How long have you been doing this? It has been a family business for 16 years, and I’ve been doing it myself for 10 years.

​3. What is your name and age? My name is Vladimir and I am 29 years old.

​4. Do you plan to expand your business? Yes, but it takes time and money. In the near future that is a plan we have.

​5. What is the most famous item on the menu? The “Surf & Turf Taco” which are shrimp and asada tacos with cheese and a special sauce.

​6. What hardships did you face during your first year in business? Finding clients. We didn’t have any clients at first because we were a new face and people didn’t know us yet.

​7. How long does it take you to prepare for a night sale? It takes me a couple of days to prep everything cutting onions and cilantro, prepping the meat, salsas, etc.

8. ​Where do your recipes come from? My mom. She used to sell tacos and got her recipes from my grandparents in Mexico. Now I use them for my tacos.

​9. What is one quote you would tell an upcoming shop? “Don’t give up.”

​10. In one word, describe your best-selling salsa. Roja (Red). It’s amazing.

​I honestly believe this taco shop is one of the best here in Oxnard. You definitely should try it!

#Tacos #besttacos #oxnard
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