Welcome to Watson's Organic Market and Cafe

Words by Natalie Caudle | Photos by Dakota Jacobi

Organic farming began in the late 1940s as a natural approach to agriculture with the added benefit of improving health. Today, modern farming methods and savvy marketing allow many to eat organic without the necessity of cultivating home gardens. One retail location, Watson's Organic Market and Cafe, has been catering to the regional market for a half-century. Recently acquired under new ownership, a local family with entrepreneurial spirits and a big vision for the community is carrying on the hope of health for the Valley.

The Cantu family has fostered a longtime passion for high-quality, plant-based food and dreamed about sharing this lifestyle with others

seeking the health benefits of organic eating. With their first fruits taking root at the local farmer's market as a food vendor booth, their mobile business has morphed into a brick-and-mortar on Main Street.

In 2022, the Cantu family purchased Watson's Organic Market and Cafe from Tim and Kim Watson, who operated the business for 30 years. Initially, it was opened in 1957 by Lionel and Juanita Watson on Willis Street as a vitamin and supplement shop, before the store expanded to include an organic cafe and secret garden, an oasis tucked away for patrons to rest and connect with nature. In 1972, Lionel’s twin brother Louis Watson and his grandson Gordon took over ownership of the business, while Juanita continued to work in the store. It was in 1992 that Gordon’s son Tim and his wife Kim moved to Visalia to take over the family business.

Since its birth, Watson's has grown to carry many products, including hard-to-find raw milk, organic pantry items, and vegan staples. “In our cafe, we try our best to source organic ingredients from oils and spices to vegetables and milks,” says Ziah Cantu, who carries out the day-to-day operations. “We also source local vegetables and cater to those with dietary restrictions like gluten-free or dairy-free. Our gluten-free muffins and brownies are made fresh daily!”

Customers appreciate the expertise of the Cantu family. “We are a family of four and equal business partners,” smiles Ziah. “I'm deeply passionate about all things health in every aspect. We love getting to share everything we've learned on our journeys as it relates to helping others on their own health journey.” Patrons receive one-on-one experiences with knowledgeable staff. It is essential to the Cantu family that they create relationships as stories are shared, allowing the customer to thrive along their path to health.

Each member of the Cantu family contributes to the success of the cafe and market. Eva Cantu, the family's matriarch, found relief from autoimmune disease through the healing of food and supplements and seeks to help others do the same. With his carpentry talents, Ziah's father, Joaquin, brings creative visions to life within the storefront. At the same time, her sister, Emerol, works behind the scenes to coordinate events in the garden and banquet room while pursuing a master's in Traditional Chinese Medicine and raising two young children. Watson's prides itself on attentive customer care, and the advantage patrons experience when shopping small. Shopping locally is mutually beneficial: the customer receives a high-quality product while pouring support back into the community.

The Cantu family continues to carry the hometown familiarity of Watson's with a few additions. Ziah remarks, “We haven't changed the concept of Watson's at all. We are an organic cafe, health market, and garden—except we've started hosting small parties in our garden and banquet hall more regularly! In the cafe, we are expanding our coffee and tea options and sourcing beans from Component Coffee, getting all compostable to-go containers, [and] expanding local sourcing and [the] organic ingredients we use.”

The last six months have brought growth to the garden, with over 50 new flora species planted and blooming. “With so many varieties of trees and flowers that attract the most beautiful birds and butterflies, it's such a serene place to have lunch, and very unexpected since it's in the middle of downtown,” says Ziah. The landscaping and dining areas are dialed in and available for events; a perfect backdrop for intimate weddings, baby showers, and celebrations.

Watson's has taken the guesswork out of choosing organic products and supportive supplements. Locals can enjoy homegrown veggies, honey, and herbs without tending to a garden. With the expertise and care the Cantu family provides, customers are happy and thriving at Watson's Organic Market and Cafe.

Watsonsvisalia.com

@watsonsvisalia

Cafe Hours, Monday - Friday 11AM - 3PM

Market Hours, Monday - Friday 11AM - 6PM

Saturday Hours, Cafe 11AM - 3PM, Market 11AM - 4PM