Name: Bertuccio’s Fruit Stand
Address: 2410 Airline Highway,
Hollister
Owner: Joe and Karen Tonascia
Contact: 636-0821
Bertuccio’s Fruit Stand has been selling fresh produce to San Benito residents for more than 40 years.
Even a first-time visitor can see that there’s more than fruit for sale at Bertuccio’s. There are shelves filled with other products from local businesses, including Mansmith barbecue sauce and Pietra olive oil. But manager Carol Miller said fresh produce is the stand’s main draw.
Despite its long history, Karen Tonascia – who has owned the stand with her husband Joe for eight years – said Bertuccio’s is sometimes overlooked because it’s set back from the main highway.
“I just wish we had a better view from the road,” she said.
Right now, strawberries and cherries are selling well, but even when there’s less fresh produce available, Tonascia said there are still reasons to visit Bertuccio’s. In the winter, the stand highlights walnuts and dried fruits, including its specialty, dried Blenheim apricots.
“That’s why we stay open year-round,” Tonascia said. “We sell a lot of dried stuff.”
Bertuccio’s offers plenty of baskets for shoppers who can’t find the right gift for birthdays, Christmas or other holidays, she said.
Amidst all the fruit stand’s many offerings, Miller said she still has her favorites.
“I love plums,” Miller said. “Plums and pluots.”
