As Women’s History Month approaches, one way to celebrate and support the wonderful women in your life is by shopping at businesses owned by women. San Luis Obispo (SLO) is a hub for small businesses, and 92 of them are listed as women-owned. If you’re looking for a delicious meal, yoga class, or new outfit, there are many women-owned spots to try. Here are 15 businesses owned by amazing women in SLO:
Sweet Treats
897 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
(805) 464-6636 Ext. 5
Brown Butter Cookie Company was founded in December 2008 by sisters Traci and Christa Hozie. Known for the Original Brown Butter Sea Salt cookie, this business has captivated the taste buds of the Central Coast. In 2019, they opened their third shop, conveniently located in downtown SLO. Anyone with a sweet tooth is sure to satisfy that craving with one of 16 current flavors. Brown Butter Cookie Company products can be ordered online or in person.
1021 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
(805) 439-1012
Breda is a chocolaterie and patisserie founded by Michelin-star chef Florencia Breda. Originally a pop-up inside the restaurant Mistura, Breda opened its own storefront in April 2025. Breda and her wife, Christine, run the shop together to bring authentic Italian desserts, teas, and appetizers to San Luis Obispo. Breda has a wide and rotating range of hand-painted chocolates, mousses, and cakes galore. Enjoy a variety of teas with expertly crafted sweets on the side. Breda desserts can be ordered online or in person.
1000 Railroad Ave., Unit 100, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
(805) 545-5895
Splendor Ice Cream opened its doors in October 2025. This is the second San Luis Obispo business for Jennifer Fullarton, owner of popular brunch spot Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe. Splendor is located next door to Sally Loo’s and specializes in small-batch ice cream with unique flavors. With flavors from mango sticky rice to chocolate fudge ripple, Splendor has a scoop for everyone. They offer seasonal flavors as well as gluten- and dairy-free options. Splendor Ice Cream is available for purchase in person.
Study Spots & Cafes
847 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday-Sunday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
(805) 439-3823
Corazón Cafe came to downtown San Luis Obispo in May 2023 and has solidified its place ever since. Co-owner Sarah McGrath wanted to create a community that blended a typical coffee shop with Mexican culture. With many breakfast and coffee options, Corazón is a perfect spot to grab a bite and try something new. Vibrant decorations and electric energy fill the cafe to create an amazing experience for customers. Menu items can be ordered online or in person.
1130 Garden St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
(805) 439-2175
Scout Coffee has been a San Luis Obispo staple since its launch in January 2014. With three locations in SLO and one in Morro Bay, co-owner Sara Peterson has created a Central Coast coffee empire. Scout offers a variety of coffee, tea, and matcha for customers. They make their own pastries and food in-house for an unforgettable experience. Scout is a fan-favorite study spot for students, at the on-campus location or any other storefront. They even have signature tumblers, hats, and espresso beans available for purchase on their website. Scout Coffee Co. food and beverages can be ordered online or in person at any Scout Coffee Company location.
1110 Garden St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Monday-Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Linnaea’s has been a fixture of the San Luis Obispo community since opening its doors in 1984. More than 40 years later, the cafe has been passed down from Linnaea Phillips to Marianne Orme, and now it is co-owned by chef Rusty Quirk. She has continued the legacy that Phillips solidified on Garden Street in 1984. Linnaea’s offers classic and cozy breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as an array of house-made coffee and tea. Relax in the idyllic back garden or peruse the art gallery with rotating artist features. Linnaea’s pastries are available for purchase online, and food and drinks can be ordered in person.
Date Night
690 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, Sunday: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday: 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
(805) 544-5282
Since 2016, Flour House has brought genuine Italian cuisine to San Luis Obispo. Gessica Russa co-owns the wildly popular restaurant, which has placed 19th out of the 50 best pizzerias in the United States. Their incredible dishes were also featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Known for their classic pizza napoletana and house-made pasta, Flour House is the perfect spot for a date night or dinner with friends. The restaurant does not accept reservations, so make sure to plan accordingly due to high demand. Flour House is available in person or for takeout via phone.
1023 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Monday, Tuesday: 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
(805) 540-5243
Shanny Covey owns three successful restaurants on the Central Coast. Luna Red and Novo are both located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. She opened Luna Red in 2011, and it has been a world-class success. Serving brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks with a distinctive Latin influence, Luna Red is the perfect place for a vibrant meal. Luna Red encompasses a large outdoor patio and indoor seating options right next to the historic Mission de Tolosa. Beautiful ambience combined with bright flavors creates a lovely dining experience for all. Luna Red can be ordered online or in person.
1126 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Friday: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
(805) 544-9100
Kimberly Walker is the incredibly successful businesswoman behind Nomada Hotel Group. Her goal is to revitalize properties on the Central Coast into boutique hotels that honor the history of the original building. In 2009, Walker created Granada Bistro inside the former Hotel Granada space and later purchased the entire building to save it from demolition. She fully renovated and redesigned the building into the successful hotel and bistro it is today. Granada Bistro offers upscale brunch and dinner with worldly influences and crafted by locally sourced ingredients. After enjoying a tasty meal at Granada Bistro, grab a drink at Nightcap, Granada’s intimate cocktail lounge. Be sure to book a reservation on their website.
Retail Therapy
1021 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
(805) 784-0664
Owned by mother-daughter duo Laura Bjorkland and Natalie Risner, Apropos Clothing Boutique has offered San Luis Obispo locals trendy clothing options for 24 years. Their goal is to “empower women through fashion.” They have a variety of clothes that are sourced mainly from small, family-owned businesses in the United States. If you are unable to visit Apropos in person, be sure to check out their online store for all that they offer.
647 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
(805) 544-8988
Central Coast native Briana Daugherty has had a passion for jewelry her whole life and became the owner of B. Anthony & Co. Jewelers in March 2025. Customers browse their wide variety of unique pieces or work with a designer to craft custom jewelry. They carry well-known designers as well as local artists to ensure there is something for everyone who steps through their doors. Check out their website to purchase one-of-a-kind jewelry online or visit their store.
833 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
(805) 439-9920
Calico Trading Co. is a vintage thrift and trading shop in San Luis Obispo. Founded by twin sisters Jeannie Mielke and Susie Hawkins in 2019, Calico offers sustainable shopping for SLO locals. Customers can purchase clothing, shoes, and accessories, or bring in their own items to trade. Calico Trading Company retail is available in person.
Wellness
198 South St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours vary depending on class schedule
Kismet Fitness is an exercise studio created specifically for women and nonbinary people. Brittany Pomfret created Kismet to create a safe and celebratory space. Kismet offers a rotating schedule of classes based on a quarter system. Every 3-4 months, the larger focus shifts and classes differ. Kismet has a wide variety of classes, including Pilates and strength training, and is designed to be a whole-body, holistic workout. Sign up for a class ahead of time on their website and experience the magic of Kismet Fitness.
672 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
(805) 598-7100
Stephanie Stackhouse opened The Center Studio to create community through yoga and mind-body wellness. The Center has two non-heated studios and one infrared studio offering a variety of classes, including yoga, barre, and HIIT. There are many different membership and class options to fit a variety of budgets. Head to their website to check out class offerings and schedule, as well as virtual classes you can take right from home.
1957 Santa Barbara Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
(805) 439-2515
Sloco Massage is a wellness center committed to healing and rejuvenation through massage, detoxification, and body recovery. Natasha Prybyla opened Sloco Massage 16 years ago, and the business has since expanded and relocated. Services include hot stone massage, infrared sauna detoxification, and whole-body cryotherapy. A full list of their services is available online to book.