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Local Businesses

Meet the local businesses of Colfax, CA. From beloved Main Street shops and family-owned restaurants to creative entrepreneurs and essential services, these are the people who make our downtown thrive. Get to know the faces behind the storefronts and discover why shopping local matters in our Sierra Foothills community.

hree new vintage and antique shops opening at the Historic Fruit Exchange Building at 229 Railroad Street in Historic Downtown Colfax CA June 2026

Five New Businesses Have Opened in Historic Downtown Colfax. Here’s Who They Are.

Some wins are quiet. A grant approved. A meeting that finally goes the right way. A building owner who says yes.

And then there are the wins you can see from the street.

Five new businesses have opened in Historic Downtown Colfax. A woman who spent sixteen years at flea markets all over California opening her first real shop. A 65-year resident finally launching her passion project in the town that raised her. A couple who took a birthday drive up the hill, fell in love with a quiet historic main street, and decided to build their dream here. A historian who moved to Colfax and built a craft school because she believed this community deserved one. And a man who has owned one of this town’s most storied buildings for years — and decided the best way to bring it back to life was to open his own shop inside it.

None of them were recruited. None of them were incentivized. They looked at Historic Downtown Colfax and saw something worth betting on. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when a town starts to feel alive again — when there are events on the calendar, foot traffic on the street, and a growing sense that something is being built here worth being part of.

That’s the work. And this is what it looks like when it starts to pay off.

Nail Salon

Chromie Nails

9 S. Main St · Historic Downtown Colfax CA 95713

Leo and Phoebe came from Atlanta. They worked their way through salons across Georgia and California — building skills, building clientele, building a shared philosophy about what nail care is actually supposed to be. Not just beautiful nails. Healthy ones. Work that lasts because it’s done right from the start.

Then on Phoebe’s birthday in 2024, they visited Colfax. Just a day trip. And something clicked. The quiet. The historic main street. The feeling that this was a town becoming something. They drove home knowing — this is where they wanted to build their dream. With family already here at the Colfax Bistro, opening on South Main Street felt less like a leap and more like coming home.

Leo is the artist. Clients who’ve sat in his chair call him a magician — describe your vision and he’ll bring it back better than you imagined. Custom nail art is his language; music and design are his instincts. Phoebe is the anchor — meticulous, detail-oriented, the one making sure every set is built to last and every client feels taken care of from booking to the moment they walk out.

The full menu runs from classic manicures and pedicures to acrylics, dipping powder, builder gel, and Gel X extensions. Their spa pedicure menu — including a Luxury Herbal Candle Spa Pedicure with mineral soaks, botanical exfoliation, collagen masks, and hot stone therapy — is the kind of service Colfax has never had before. Kid services available for children under 10.

Small salon. Big heart. Open seven days a week.

📍 9 S. Main St, Historic Downtown Colfax
📞 916-398-5439
🕐 Mon–Sat 10:00 AM–6:00 PM · Sun 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
🌐 chromienailscolfax.com · Book online at chromienailscolfax.com
📸 @chromienailscolfax

Vintage Clothing & Accessories

The Wildlands Vintage

Serra has been doing this for sixteen years. Flea markets across California. Festivals up and down the state. Every piece sourced, selected, or made by her own hands. She knows vintage the way you only learn it by living it — by showing up before dawn at swap meets, by developing an eye that can spot something worth saving in a pile of noise.

The Wildlands Vintage is her first brick and mortar shop. And she chose Colfax.

The inventory spans the 1930s through the 2000s — clothing and accessories for women and men, all sizes from XS to 4X, with price points that run from thrift ($5–$10) all the way up. Alongside the vintage pieces you’ll find modern vintage-inspired brands, custom reworked and upcycled items Serra has made herself, and accessories — hats, shoes, scarves, belts — the finishing pieces that pull a look together.

This is not a shop stocked by algorithm. Every item in it was found, made, or reimagined by one person who has spent the better part of two decades doing exactly this. Open Friday through Sunday to start, with more days coming as the town gets to know her.

📍 229 Railroad St, Historic Fruit Exchange Building  ·  Open Friday–Sunday  ·  Grand Opening June 6th, 11am–7pm
📸 Instagram: @thewildlandsvintage

Antiques & Curiosities

Ms P’s Oddities

Patrice Goulet has lived in Colfax for 65 years. She was the school secretary who knew every kid’s name. She opened Buzz Thru Drive Through in 2000 and ran it for nearly a decade before selling it. She spent fourteen years running a vehicle licensing consulting company before retiring. Three successful businesses built in this town over the course of a lifetime spent here.

Ms P’s Oddities is the fourth chapter — and by her own description, the most personal one. This is a passion project, not a pivot. Patrice has always loved the art of collecting — the hunt, the find, the moment a piece that was overlooked somewhere gets a second life in the right hands. Her favorite part isn’t the acquisition. It’s watching a customer’s face when they discover the exact thing they didn’t know they were looking for.

That’s the shop she built. Antiques, curiosities, and one-of-a-kind finds for your home and garden — sourced by someone who has been a part of this community longer than most of its current residents have been alive, and who knows the difference between something worth keeping and something worth passing on.

Colfax raised Patrice. Now she’s giving something back to it… Again!


📍 225 Railroad Ave, Space 219 · Historic Fruit Exchange Building · Colfax CA 95713
📘 facebook.com/mspoddities
✉️ [email protected]
🎉 Grand Opening June 6th · 11am–7pm

Craft School & Community Studio

Craftfolk Collective

Gretchen Hilyard Boyce is a historian, multidisciplinary craftsperson, musician, and community builder who has spent her career studying something most people take for granted — the way communities are shaped by the skills they practice, the stories they share, and the spaces where people learn together.

She has been making things her whole life. Knitting. Natural dyeing. Herbal medicine. Soap making. Not as hobbies but as a way of moving through the world slowly and with intention. When she moved to Colfax, she saw something this town was missing — a place where that kind of learning could happen in community, free from the noise of social media, rooted in local relationships and the quiet satisfaction of working with your hands.

Craftfolk Collective is the realization of that vision. A craft school and gathering place at 38 N. Main Street — sharing space with Snapdragon Provisions, tucked into Depot Alley — where regional artists, craftspeople, and tradition bearers teach what they know to people who want to learn it. Block printing. Visible mending. Gel printing. Wet felting. Fermentation. Cheesemaking. The kind of knowledge that used to pass between generations at kitchen tables and is in danger of being lost.

Workshops are intentionally small — 10 to 12 people — so everyone gets real guidance, not just a demonstration. Free Community Craft Club sessions run throughout the month for anyone who wants to show up and make something alongside their neighbors. No experience required. Just a willingness to slow down and try.

Gretchen didn’t open a business. She built a gathering place. And she built it here.

📍 38 N. Main St, enter through Depot Alley · Colfax CA 95713
🌐 craftfolkcollective.com
📋 Workshop registration available online

Vintage & Found Objects

Liberator’s Emporium

Todd Saylor owns the Historic Fruit Exchange Building. He also runs Colfax Automotive. He has been part of this town for decades — the kind of person who knows everyone, remembers everything, and genuinely wants to see Colfax come back to its fullest potential. When he partnered with HCDA to activate his building, he wasn’t just being a good landlord. He was betting on his town.

Liberator’s Emporium is Todd and his partner Jenine’s own shop — and it is exactly what you’d expect from a man who loves a good story. Not quite antique. Not quite thrift. Somewhere gloriously in between. Every single item was sourced from somewhere in the Sierra Foothills, and Todd can tell you where. Which barn it came out of. Whose property it sat on. What it was used for and why it matters. That’s not a sales pitch — that’s just how he experiences the world. Everything has a history. Everything deserves to be found by the right person.

Walk in with no plan. Ask Todd about something on the shelf. You’ll leave an hour later with a story you didn’t have when you arrived — and probably something you didn’t know you needed.

The building owner opened his own shop in his own building. That’s not something you see every day. It tells you everything about how seriously Todd takes this town’s comeback.

📍 229 Railroad St · Historic Fruit Exchange Building · Colfax CA 95713
🎉 Grand Opening June 6th · 11am–7pm

Come celebrate with us — Saturday, June 6th

Three shops. One historic building that has been standing on Railroad Street since 1910. And a grand opening celebration that is free for everyone.

The Historic Fruit Exchange at 229 Railroad Street opens its doors Saturday, June 6th from 11am to 7pm. Shop The Wildlands Vintage, Ms P’s Oddities, and Liberator’s Emporium — three completely different stores under one roof, each one worth a visit on its own. Rowdy’s Bad Idea brings live music starting at 4pm. Food and drinks on site all day.

Come early to shop. Stay for the music. Bring someone who hasn’t been downtown in a while and show them what’s happening here.

📍 229 Railroad St, Historic Fruit Exchange Building, Colfax CA 📅 Saturday, June 6th · 11am–7pm 🎶 Live music at 4:00 PM · Free admission

This is what we came here to do.

The Historic Colfax Downtown Association exists for moments like this one. Not just events on a calendar — but entrepreneurs choosing this town, buildings coming back to life, and a historic main street that is becoming the kind of place people drive to on purpose instead of through by accident.

Five new businesses in the historic district. A summer concert series filling South Main Street. A quarterly market that has been quietly proving for two years that Colfax is worth stopping for. The momentum is real and it is building.

We are proud of what this community is becoming. And we are just getting started.

Follow along at historiccolfax.com and find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you believe in what we’re building here — support the work.

Historic Fruit Exchange Building at 229 Railroad Street in downtown Colfax California with grand opening signage for three new vintage and antique shops

Three New Businesses Open at Colfax’s Historic Fruit Exchange Building

Historic Downtown Colfax is celebrating. Three new businesses are opening inside the Historic Fruit Exchange Building at 229 Railroad Street — and for the Historic Colfax Downtown Association, this moment is years in the making.

Some wins are quiet. A grant approved. A permit signed. A spreadsheet that finally balances.

And then there are the wins you can see from the street.

Entrepreneurs chose Colfax. Chose our downtown. Chose a building that has been standing on this block since 1910 — and for too many years, standing mostly quiet.

That changes on June 6th.

A Building With a Story

The Historic Fruit Exchange Building isn’t just old. It’s woven into the DNA of this town.

Built in 1910, the building was the nerve center of Colfax’s agricultural boom. The Colfax Fruit Growers Association used it to organize, inspect, pack, and ship the region’s harvests to markets across California. Growers brought their fruit here. Packers prepared it for shipment. The Southern Pacific line, just steps away, carried it west. By the 1920s, Colfax was exporting thousands of crates of fruit every season.

In 1926, Colfax became one of only 23 icing locations in the entire Pacific Fruit Express network — a massive operation that kept refrigerated railcars cold with blocks of ice cut straight from the Sierra snowpack. This building was part of that. This block was part of that.

Then time moved on. Mechanical refrigeration replaced the icing platforms. Larger Central Valley operations took over distribution. The orchards went quiet. And the building — architecturally intact, historically significant — faded into the background while tens of thousands of cars rolled past it every day on I-80 without stopping.

For years, that’s how it stayed.

A Partnership Built on a Shared Vision

The story of what happens next starts with a conversation.

Todd Saylor owns the Historic Fruit Exchange Building. When the Historic Colfax Downtown Association came knocking, we weren’t just being neighborly. Activating dormant historic buildings is core to what we do. The Fruit Exchange had been on our radar. A landmark sitting quiet while thousands of cars rolled past it every day on I-80 wasn’t something we could ignore.

Saylor had an idea he’d been talking about for years. A market. Something that would give people a reason to get off the highway and walk through those doors again. When we sat down together, the pieces clicked into place. He brought the space, the history, and a vision that had been waiting for the right partner. We brought the infrastructure, the marketing, and the network to finally make it real.

The Colfax Bazaar was born out of that conversation.

What followed is what genuine community partnership looks like.

Three successful Colfax Bazaars. Hundreds of people flooding into Historic Downtown Colfax on market days — not just into the Fruit Exchange, but spilling out onto Main Street, into the antique shops, into the restaurants. Local business owners told us they tripled their sales on Bazaar days. Some had to bring in additional staff just to handle the volume. A building that had been largely invisible for years suddenly became the reason people drove to Colfax on purpose.

That’s not a small thing. That’s exactly what downtown revitalization is supposed to look like.

The momentum is real. And it didn’t stop at the Bazaar.

“This building has been part of Colfax’s story for over a hundred years,” says Saylor. “It deserves to be part of its future too. That’s what we’re building here.”

This Is What Main Street Revitalization Looks Like

HCDA isn’t just throwing events. We are building the infrastructure for a living, breathing downtown.

The Main Street America approach — the framework we are working toward as an organization — is built on a simple premise. When you invest in historic commercial districts, you create the conditions for private investment to follow. You don’t just fill a building for a day. You change the perception of what’s possible. You make entrepreneurs believe that opening a business here is a good idea.

That’s exactly what happened at the Fruit Exchange.

We activated a dormant building with a quarterly market. The market drew people downtown. People downtown changed the story about Colfax. And that changed story attracted exactly the kind of entrepreneurs who look at a historic building in a Sierra Foothills town and see an opportunity instead of a risk.

Three businesses. One building. One partnership. One event at a time.

This is the work.

Meet the Tenants

On June 6th, three incredible new shops open their doors inside the Historic Fruit Exchange at 229 Railroad Street.

The Wildlands Vintage brings carefully curated vintage clothing for the adventurous soul. If you’ve been hunting for pieces with character — clothing that tells a story — this is your place.

Ms P’s Oddities is exactly what it sounds like. Antiques, curiosities, and one-of-a-kind finds for your home and garden. The kind of shop you walk into for twenty minutes and come out two hours later with something you didn’t know you needed.

Liberator’s Emporium rounds out the lineup with vintage treasures and unusual pieces that belong in a home, a garden, or a collection. Finds with history. Objects with soul.

Three unique shops. One historic building. Open year-round.

Come Celebrate With Us

The Grand Opening is Saturday, June 6th from 11am to 7pm. There will be food, drinks, and live music starting at 4pm. It is free to attend. Come early to shop. Stay for the music. Bring someone who hasn’t been downtown in a while and show them what’s happening here.

This is a milestone for Historic Downtown Colfax. We are proud of it. And we are just getting started.

📅 Saturday, June 6th | 11am–7pm 🎶 Live Music at 4pm 🍽️ Food & Drinks on site 📍 229 Railroad St, Colfax, CA 95713

Come Celebrate With Us

The Grand Opening is Saturday, June 6th from 11am to 7pm. There will be food, drinks, and live music starting at 4pm. It is free to attend. Come early to shop. Stay for the music. Bring someone who hasn’t been downtown in a while and show them what’s happening here.

This is a milestone for Historic Downtown Colfax. We are proud of it. And we are just getting started.

📅 Saturday, June 6th | 11am–7pm 🎶 Live Music at 4pm 🍽️ Food & Drinks on site 📍 229 Railroad St, Colfax, CA 95713

Three new businesses. One historic building. One community that refused to let its downtown fade.

This is what we came here to do. When the Historic Colfax Downtown Association started this work, Colfax was a town people drove through. Today it is a town people drive to. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens one partnership, one event, one grand opening at a time.

The Fruit Exchange has been standing on Railroad Street for over a century. It has earned its place in this town’s future. And on June 6th, that future walks through the front door.

We’ll see you there.

Photo of CoCo’s Candy and Creamery storefront in Colfax, CA – colorful candy shop and ice cream bar bringing new life to historic Main Street.

🍦✨ A Sweet New Chapter for Downtown Colfax: Welcome Coco’s Candy and Creamery! 🍭🏡

The Historic Colfax Downtown Association is delighted to announce the arrival of CoCo’s Candy and Creamery to our charming historic district. Located at 27 S Main Street, in the heart of downtown Colfax, CoCo’s is already creating a buzz with its unforgettable sweets, community spirit, and welcoming atmosphere.

A Candy Shop That Feels Like Home

Walking into CoCo’s feels like stepping into a dream. Bright, colorful, and nostalgic, it’s the kind of place where everyone—kids, parents, travelers, and locals—can rediscover their favorite treats and make new memories. More than just a candy shop or an ice cream store, CoCo’s is a celebration of fun, flavor, and local connection.

Whether you’re here for a quick afternoon pick-me-up, a special family outing, or just a dose of something sweet after strolling through downtown, CoCo’s delivers charm and delight in every bite.

What Makes CoCo’s So Special?

This isn’t your average sweets shop—CoCo’s is an experience. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re met with a warm smile, the smell of hand-crafted fudge, and a rainbow of treats displayed wall-to-wall. Here’s a taste of what makes them stand out:

🍦 Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream Bars

With over 35 mouthwatering flavors, these bars are hand-dipped and served with love. Whether you’re a fan of Vanilla, Cookie Dough, Peppermint Stick, or adventurous options like Swiss Orange Chip, Green Tea, or Bailey’s Irish Cream, there’s something for everyone.

Feeling nutty? Try flavors like Rocky Road, Peanut Butter Crunch, or Mocha Almond Fudge!

🍬 Retro & Nostalgic Candy

Remember those old-fashioned candies from your childhood? They’re here. Rows of shelves filled with colorful, sweet, sour, crunchy, chewy classics that’ll take you back in time.

🍫 Handmade Fudge

Rich, velvety, and made fresh—CoCo’s fudge is the perfect gift, treat, or just-because indulgence. You’ll want to sample every flavor.

☕ Custom Coffees & Seasonal Sips

Need a warm drink or an afternoon caffeine fix? Their cozy drinks complement the sweet treats perfectly and make CoCo’s a great stop no matter the season.

A Perfect Fit for Historic Colfax

At the Historic Colfax Downtown Association, our mission has always been about more than just filling storefronts—it’s about building a vibrant, connected community that honors our past while embracing the future. And when it comes to CoCo’s Candy and Creamery, we couldn’t have asked for better partners to help bring that vision to life.

Barbara and David, the owners of CoCo’s, aren’t just business owners—they’re the kind of people who roll up their sleeves, jump in with both feet, and truly care about the community they serve. From day one, they’ve shown a deep commitment not only to bringing high-quality sweets to Colfax but also to supporting the growth and revitalization of Main Street itself.

The Community Response? Absolutely Sweet.

Since opening, the response has been nothing short of phenomenal. Locals and visitors alike have been lining up to get a taste of CoCo’s delicious offerings—and leaving with smiles, full hands, and plans to come back for more.

The energy inside the store is contagious, with laughter, friendly greetings, and the joyful sound of kids picking out their favorite sweets. It’s the kind of place where memories are made, and where Colfax pride shines bright.

Visit CoCo’s Today – And Support Something Truly Special

Whether you’re a die-hard ice cream fan, a candy connoisseur, or someone who just loves to support small, passionate businesses, CoCo’s Candy and Creamery is your new happy place.

📍 27 S Main Street, Colfax, CA 95713
🕛 Open Every Day | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
1 530-446-6203
Visit their website
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook

Let’s give them the warmest welcome, Colfax. Stop by, share the love, and enjoy the sweet side of Main Street.

Snapdragon Provisions café interior celebrating one-year anniversary in Colfax.

Celebrating One Year of Snapdragon Provisions: A Colfax Gem

In the heart of downtown Colfax, Snapdragon Provisions has reached a momentous milestone: its one-year anniversary. Over the past year, this cozy café has transformed into a cherished community hub, delighting locals and visitors alike with its carefully crafted menu, warm ambiance, and unwavering commitment to sustainability.

From plant-based culinary creations to gluten-free treats, Snapdragon Provisions has not only offered sustenance but fostered connection and joy among its patrons. This anniversary is a celebration of hard work, gratitude, and the enduring spirit of community.

Journey of Gratitude and Connection

Kallie and Taylor, the passionate owners of Snapdragon Provisions, recently shared heartfelt reflections on this special occasion. Their message of appreciation resonated deeply:

“Cheers to a year of coffee, confections, conversations, and connections. The love and support we’ve been wrapped with has meant so much and has kept us going throughout these long days.”

Their dedication to creating a café that feels like a second home has made Snapdragon Provisions a cornerstone of Colfax. With every oat milk latte poured and every vegan bowl served, Kallie and Taylor have infused their love for wholesome, mindful dining into every corner of this gem.

Snapdragon Provisions: A Haven in Downtown Colfax

Tucked behind a charming flower shop on Main Street in Downtown Colfax, Snapdragon Provisions welcomes guests with an inviting blend of rustic elegance and modern comfort. Its brick floors, warm lighting, and thoughtful décor create an atmosphere where you’re encouraged to linger a little longer.

The sunny back patio provides a perfect retreat for enjoying a meal or a coffee while soaking in the laid-back charm of Colfax. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon or a bustling weekend morning, the café’s ambiance invites relaxation and connection.

A Menu to Savor

One of Snapdragon Provisions’ greatest draws is its diverse menu, thoughtfully designed to cater to a range of dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Among the standout offerings:

  • The Pure Stoke Bowl: A visual and culinary delight adorned with edible flowers.
  • Gluten-Free Pastries: Decadent, expertly baked goods that redefine what gluten-free can be.
  • Oat Milk Lattes and Curated Teas: Perfect companions for a leisurely afternoon.

Each dish and drink is prepared with a commitment to quality, using fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients. It’s no wonder patrons describe the food as “incomprehensibly delicious.”

Sustainability at the Core

Snapdragon Provisions isn’t just about good food; it’s about making a positive impact. From eco-conscious packaging to sourcing local ingredients, the café reflects values that resonate deeply with its customers.

Kallie and Taylor’s vision extends beyond the café walls, emphasizing a harmonious relationship with the environment. Their efforts contribute to a culture of sustainability that is woven into the fabric of Colfax life.

Looking Ahead

As Snapdragon Provisions celebrates its first anniversary, the café’s future shines bright. Kallie and Taylor’s dedication to quality, community, and sustainability ensures that this Colfax gem will continue to thrive for years to come.

To Kallie, Taylor, and the Snapdragon Provisions team: Here’s to many more years of success, growth, and delicious food shared with the Colfax community and beyond.

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