Sebastopol’s Barlow market district is leveling up this spring, as local shops and eateries expand and new tenants ink leases across the plaza. Visitors can expect larger storefronts, fresh food concepts and new retail suites in the works, all part of a plan to keep more makers, diners and day-trippers lingering on site. The push comes as The Barlow amps up its monthly makers market and preps a summer weekend of events expected to draw visitors from Marin and the East Bay.
Rust Boutique, a small clothing shop that previously squeezed into about 500 square feet, moved into a much larger storefront at The Barlow on April 1 and now spans more than 1,300 square feet. Co-owner Tishia Merlo said, “As we planned our spring and summer 2026 collections, it became clear we needed more room,” while manager Hayley Kaslar noted that the added space will help the shop function more like a community gathering spot. The expansion is one of several openings and remodels unfolding across the property, according to The Press Democrat.
Wild Poppy To Add Production Kitchen
Chef-owner Martin Maigaard is relocating Wild Poppy Cafe into the former Woodfour Brewing room at The Barlow, with plans to add an on-site tofu production setup that will supply both the new cafe location and other local restaurants. The second outpost is set to expand the cafe’s grab-and-go retail, introduce evening service and broaden its plant-forward menu when it opens in early summer, Sonoma Magazine reported.
Monthly Makers Market And Crowd Management
The Head West marketplace is returning to McKinley Street on the third Sunday of each month through December, bringing dozens of local makers and live music back to The Barlow. Organizers say they are hiring parking and trash monitors to keep nearby lots clear for moviegoers while still driving more foot traffic to plaza shops. KSRO detailed the marketplace’s 2026 season plans.
New Food Anchors On The Plaza
Genero’s Delicatessen opened in the Barlow’s food-court area in late January and has been drawing steady lunchtime lines for owner-chef Ian Marks’ Italian-style sandwiches. Meanwhile, Iggy’s Organic Burgers is slated to move into the former Cock Robin space, bringing a family-friendly burger-and-ice-cream combo to the plaza’s roster, as reported by Sonoma Magazine.
Developer Moves And Summer Plans
An application is in for a construction permit to build six new retail suites at 100 Morris St., a shift that property managers say would create smaller, demisable spaces better suited to local businesses. The Barlow is also planning a summer-solstice weekend celebration June 19–21 as it leans into events to boost off-peak traffic, and managers say those draws are already bringing in visitors from Marin County and the East Bay. These details were reported by The Press Democrat…