Coffee on a mission

Holy Grounds benefits Meals on Wheels and the Santa Ynez Valley Community Outreach. 

The Santa Ynez Valley Community Outreach is the largest meal provider in the Santa Ynez Valley. Their Meals on Wheels program provides hot meals to 372 seniors every single weekday. Last year, the Buellton Senior Center also gave out over 2 million pounds of donated food in the bag and farmers market programs — all at no cost to the recipients. SYVCO also provides socialization, transportation and vaccination services to seniors, as well as a domestic violence survivor program, transitional job training, and so much more to our community. 

All proceeds from Holy Grounds benefit these organizations. We are so proud to be a part of these vital efforts for food security and social services in the Santa Ynez Valley. 

Barbara Meeks

Barbara is our manager and resident baker at Holy Grounds. 

Barbara brings 20 years of experience in owning and operating cafes. She formerly owned The Bulldog Cafe, a former Solvang institution which had a cult following among tourists and locals alike for 10 years. 

Barbara was blessed with not one, but two grandmothers who were expert bakers. They instilled in her a love for baking and the skill for making things the traditional way, with lots of love and care. Barbara still feels them in the kitchen with her as she bakes today. 

Barbara believes in the three P’s: people, product, and passion. You can’t miss it when you walk in to Holy Grounds – her friendly service, exceptional pastries, and big heart are clear expressions of her philosophy.

Ruthy Gallo

Ruthy is the cook behind many of the unique dishes at Holy Grounds. 

She is first generation American, with a Brazilian and Russian/ Ukrainian background. Growing up, she was always the kitchen helper in the household, and she learned to cook by looking over her mother’s shoulder as she was peeling potatoes. 

She brings this multicultural perspective into the kitchen with her, and loves to dream up dishes with an exotic flair to serve at Holy Grounds. Examples are a Brazilian dish called Torta de Frango and Tamale Pie, which often make an appearance on our menu as specials.