Page 22 - SLO Visitors Guide Fall 2025

22 FALL 2025 slovisitorsguide.com
San Luis Obispo
Timeless Tuscan taste in
downtown San Luis Obispo
Walking into SLO Olive is
like stepping into a charm-
ing shop in Tuscany. With its
dark wood accents, rock wall, and
rows of 24 stainless steel Italian
fusties holding local olive oils and
Modena balsamic vinegar, the
boutique shop exudes Old World
vibes and a welcoming presence
in the heart of downtown San
Luis Obispo. Owner Jim Helser purchased the
shop in late 2023 from the previous
Local shop where
California EVOO
meets Italian
traditions
owner, Ray Russell. After 28 years of
being co-owner of a cycling clothing
manufacturing factory in Grover
Beach, Helser decided to retire. Five
years later, he was ready to jump
back into the working world.
“I've always had this dream of
having a gourmet boutique store,”
Helser said. “I was a customer be-
fore I became the owner, and loved
everything about this place. When
Ray decided to retire, it all worked
out for me. I have a passion for all of
this, and just really enjoy it.”
Armed with a background in
marketing and online sales, Helser
revamped the store’s website and so-
cial media and started sending out
newsletters filled with recipes, in-
dustry news, and product informa-
tion. It didn’t take long for the word
to get around about updates to SLO
Olive, including new selections of
local extra virgin olive oils (EVOO),
Italian balsamic, and the expansion
of the assorted kitchen and personal
products that had been added to
the store.
“The customers loved Ray, and
he did a great job of setting this
shop up for success,” Helser said. “I
continue to build on what he started
while adding my personal touch as I
bring new products in to offer to my
new and established customers.”
Tasting, learning, and sharing
The shop’s tagline – SLO Olive,
for the Everyday Gourmet – is fea-
tured on all of Helser’s bottles and
merchandise. The point is that one
does not have to be a specialty chef
to use and appreciate olive oil from
a boutique shop.
“I don't want people to be
intimidated,” he said. “Olive oil is
so healthy, so a lot of people are
coming in just for the health benefit
of the olive oil, and they want the
highest polyphenol counts. Then
some people tell me they just use
olive oil for dipping. Either way, I
would like to educate them a bit
more. There are a thousand uses for
olive oil – it can be used for literally
everything – and I love sharing my
recipes and suggestions.”
Eighty20 Group is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity
laws. License Number 02092190. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is
compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal
may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and
square footage are approximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.
Modern comfort meets
Central Coast charm
– call for your dream home!
Experienced, Driven, and Tech-Savy
Agent Eager To Help New Clients!
Call or Text Anytime!
Gabe Davis
Realtor® DRE# 02149531
(805) 316-1108
Gabe@GabeDavisRE.com
www.GabeDavisRE.com
Olive oil, vinegar, and more for the kitchen or gifts.