Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Ramos.
Hi Natalie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
fresco AT THE MARKET to Opened July 2025 at Santa Barbara Public Market
A new fast-casual café inspired by a local favorite — bringing back Santa Barbara’s
most-missed flavors
A new concept with a familiar heart
will open its doors at the Santa Barbara Public Market. fresco AT THE MARKET is a fresh
take on a name that has meant a lot to the community — serving up many of the most-loved
dishes from the original Fresco Cafe in a pared-down, fast-casual format.
fresco AT THE MARKET is a new, independently owned business distinct from the
original Fresco Cafe. We are thrilled to announce that Jill Petrarca, co-founder of Fresco Cafe,
who stepped away from the business in 2016 is returning to bring her passion for the brand
back to the community. While Mark Brouillard, Jill’s former business partner, is not involved in
this new venture he fully supports the fresh direction and is confident the community will warmly
welcome what’s to come.
“I’m so excited to bring Santa Barbara an inspired version of the original Fresco
Cafe — something that honors the legacy while creating space for something new
to grow,” says Natalie Ramos, co-owner of the new concept and a former longtime
Fresco team member. “We’ve focused on the most-loved dishes and the same
warm hospitality, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”
Guests can expect the return of fresco classics like the Gorgonzola Walnut Salad, Jill’s Big
Salad, the Turkey Burger, rotating soups, and lunchtime specials — all served in a
streamlined, high-quality setting.
The restaurant will also feature house-made dressings for sale and catering services, all
served with the same neighborhood feel Santa Barbara diners have missed. To celebrate its first
day, guests will receive a complimentary famous fresco iced tea with any purchase.
“fresco AT THE MARKET fits beautifully into what we’re building here — a
community of independently owned, locally loved eateries,” says Travis Twining,
owner of the Santa Barbara Public Market. “We are excited to bring back the spirit
and flavors that Santa Barbara locals have loved for years.”
fresco AT THE MARKET
Inside the Santa Barbara Public Market
38 W Victoria St. Suite 102 Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Coming July 2025
11 AM – 6 PM Daily
Follow @fresco_sb | fresco-sb.com
fresco AT THE MARKET is a heartfelt reimagining of a Santa Barbara classic — a
fast-casual eatery inspired by the beloved flavors and community spirit of the original Fresco
Cafe. With a curated menu of fan favorites and a renewed focus on hospitality, we’re here to
serve fresh, familiar food with a future-forward approach, all in the heart of the Public Market.
Note: fresco AT THE MARKET is a new business. It is not affiliated with or a
legal continuation of the former Fresco Cafe.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like many small businesses, we’ve faced our share of challenges—from navigating rising food costs and staffing shortages to balancing the day-to-day demands of running a restaurant while growing our catering business. Every obstacle has taught us something valuable.
One of our biggest strengths has been our ability to adapt. We listen to our customers, continue refining what we do, and focus on providing fresh, high-quality food with genuine hospitality. Seeing our customers return time and time again, trusting us with everything from daily lunches to weddings, celebrations, and corporate events, reminds us why we do what we do.
While the journey has had its challenges, every step has helped shape Fresco at the Market into the business it is today, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Fresco at the Market LLC?
We specialize in made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie, and custom catering menus tailored to each client’s vision. Whether we’re serving a lunch for ten or catering an event for hundreds, our goal is always the same—to provide exceptional food and a seamless experience that allows our guests to enjoy the moment.
What sets us apart is our personal approach. We believe every event deserves attention to detail, thoughtful planning, and outstanding service. We work closely with our clients to customize menus, accommodate dietary preferences, and make every event feel unique. Our team truly cares about the people we serve, and that commitment is reflected in everything we do.
As a locally owned and operated business, we’re especially proud of the relationships we’ve built within our community. Many of our customers have been with us for years, trusting us to cater life’s biggest milestones—from business launches and holiday parties to weddings, birthdays, and celebrations of life. That trust is something we never take for granted.
More than anything, we want people to know that when they choose Fresco at the Market, they’re choosing a team that genuinely cares. We take pride in delivering delicious food, exceptional service, and memorable experiences that bring people together, one meal at a time.
How do you define success?
At Fresco at the Market, we define success by the relationships we build and the experiences we create. Success isn’t just measured by the number of meals we serve or events we cater—it’s seeing familiar faces return, earning the trust of our community, and being chosen to be part of life’s most meaningful moments.
Whether it’s a quick lunch, a corporate gathering, a wedding, or a celebration of life, our goal is to make every guest feel cared for through exceptional food and genuine hospitality. When our clients can relax knowing every detail is taken care of, we’ve done our job.
We’re also proud of the reputation we’ve built as a locally owned business that values quality, consistency, and personalized service. For us, success means continuing to grow while staying true to who we are—serving fresh, handcrafted food, supporting our community, and creating memorable experiences that bring people together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fresco-sb.com
- Instagram: @fresco_sb
