SLO Public Market is launching with a new gym. Here’s everything we know about the complex
After years of anticipation, the first business at the new San Luis Obispo Public Market at Bonetti Ranch will open later this month.
More shops and restaurants are soon to follow at the new commercial complex.
Orangetheory Fitness, part of a chain of gyms that focuses on heart rate monitoring and high-intensity class workouts, will launch June 26 at SLO Public Market, opening in a roughly 3,000-square-foot, standalone building on the property at 3845 South Higuera St.
Located at the corner of Tank Farm Road and South Higuera Street, SLO Public Market plans to serve hundreds of patrons at a time with a diverse slate of businesses. The four-acre parcel features more than 48,000 square feet of shop space.
The complex will have lots of recreation, retail and dining options for visitors.
Incoming tenants include shops offering coffee, cheese, chocolates and craft spirits, property owner Taylor Judkins said. He owns the real estate and development company G3 Concepts.
A Thai noodle bar, a pizzeria and a restaurant serving classic American fare are also in store.
“We don’t have set dates yet, but we will be opening more businesses this summer,” said Judkins, who developed the structures that will house tenants. “We’re looking at a soft opening in July and a grand opening in August.”
“Every tenant is different and the openings will be staggered,” Judkins explained.
Ongoing tenant upgrades will add kitchen equipment, decor and seating, among other features. And exterior building work is completed.
SLO Public Market will offer seating to more than 200 people, including indoor and outdoor, with a three-story market hall as well as seven standalone buildings including a converted farmhouse.
The market has 24 commercial spaces, ranging in size from 400 square feet to 5,000 square feet.
SLO Public Market has spent years in the planning and development stages. The site already houses Tractor Supply, which opened in 2016.
The market was originally projected to open in 2019. But winter rain and the coronavirus pandemic pushed back opening plans, Judkins said.
City inspection approvals are needed to finalize the construction, the Bakersfield-based developer said.
Orangetheory franchise owner finds ‘perfect spot’ in SLO
Orangetheory franchisees Lesley Robertson and Audra Weinstein sought for four years to open in San Luis Obispo, Robertson said.
“We had to have a place with enough parking, that was the right size, and felt like it would work well for us,” Robertson said. “This is the perfect spot.”
The pair already operate five Orangetheory gym locations — three in the Phoenix area, one in Fresno, and one in Clovis.
Robertson and Weinstein launched their first fitness center in Scottsdale in 2012 using a franchise workout model that features one-hour, full-body classes that combine science, coaching and technology.
“In the years that I’ve been doing this, I’ve never done the same workout twice,” Robertson said.
Robertson said that the San Luis Obispo fitness center has reserved spots of 500 prospective members.
She said the business is still hiring for front desk and coaching positions — anticipating a total of 10 employees, including five exercise coaches.
Those interested in joining Orangetheory’s San Luis Obispo gym can reserve a spot in advance of the opening by calling 559-472-9191.
Membership costs $89 to $170 per month, depending on customer goals and access levels.
Those who sign up before the gym opens will get $20 off per month for a year, with a savings of $240, Robertson said, and an additional $10 off per month if they bring on a friend or relative for the year.
People can try out the gym for free during a grace period between June 18 and June 26 if they reserve spots.
“Our workouts are comparable to personal training,” Robertson said. “And members can use any Orangetheory gym around the country as well.”
Starting out, Orangetheory will be open 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m. to noon on weekends, with some flexibility based on client demand.
Taco eatery is latest business to join SLO Public Market
The latest tenant to join SLO Public Market’s lineup is California Tacos Cantina and Distillery.
The restaurant, which has been operating in Solvang for years, will serve up tacos, chilaquiles, fajitas, enchiladas and homemade tortillas, as well as slow-cooked house menudo on weekends.
In addition to a wide beer selection, the San Luis Obispo location will feature their own distilled agave right on site,” plus tastings, the SLO Public Market said in a Tuesday news release.
Other food options at the commercial complex will include Baht Thai Food, Bing’s Bao Buns, Central Coast Creamery, Kitchen & Vine, Kraken Coffee Co., Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates, Negranti Creamery andThe Neighborhood Acai and Juice Bar.
The list of businesses also features Bottlecraft, Mixed Co., Parker Clay and SLO General Store.
“We still have tenant spaces available,” Judkins said. “Our lease agreements are as low as we can get them to start. We consider ourselves the anti-downtown because of the parking availability and affordable lease pricing.”
Judkins said that lease arrangements range from flat rates to lease plus percentage of sales agreements, depending on the business and contract details.
Commercial complex also features parking, apartments
What else is in store at SLO Public Market?
The business hub will offer 365 parking spaces that are “close by the market and well-lit,” Judkins said, as well as about 20 fast-charging Tesla electric vehicle stations.
The grounds will include walkways, plantings, a historic windmill and signage related to the property’s history. Farm equipment on display, such as a model tractor, honors the property’s Long-Bonetti Ranch past.
“There are models of this type of public market in San Francisco, New York and San Diego, among other places,” Judkins said. “Ours is probably most similar to Liberty Station in San Diego and Oxbow Public Market in Napa.”
The Market Hall will feature 12 ground-floor commercial spaces, plus two upstairs, and one downstairs, totalling 14 spaces in that building alone, Judkins said. Customers can browse food and beverage options without doors or walls separating Market Hall businesses.
The hall also features a ballroom dance studio and a third-story private dining and event area for rent.
In addition to commercial spaces, one of the free-standing buildings has four second-story, 1,200-square-foot apartments with two bedrooms and two bathrooms each that are being rented for $2,900 per month.
Plans to build 30 live-work units in the former home of The Tribune at 3825 South Higuera St. have been put on hold due to high materials costs, Judkins said, but are expected to resume in the future.
The plan is to combine upstairs living arrangements and downstairs office spaces.
This story was originally published June 10, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
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