Montecito Natural Health Opens in Upper Village 

As a follow-up to a story we’ve been following since April, Montecito Natural Foods, which was located in Montecito Country Mart for nearly 60 years and closed its doors in June, has reopened a small storefront in the Upper Village, next to Josephine’s Antiques. The store, now dubbed Montecito Natural Health, opened in mid-July, and business is picking up, according to staff. 

The health product store has been owned by Gabe and Slim Gomez for 30 years, and has offered health food products, vitamins, beauty products, and more to the Montecito community for decades. Earlier this year we reported the store’s impending closure after being given notice that its lease was not up for renewal by Country Mart owner James Rosenfield, who declined our request for comment on the matter. The Gomez duo negotiated with Upper Village owner Norm Borgatello to occupy the space once occupied by George Meta Jewelry. 

The pared-down space offers vitamins and supplements as well as beauty products, and still employs the same long-time staff members. Food offerings have been eliminated, due to the reduction in space and the proximity to Montecito Village Grocery. 

Montecito Natural Health is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and is closed on Sundays. The address is 1470 East Valley Road, Suite Z. Call 805-969-1411 for more information.