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Meet Ryan Hunter
By Ann Jarmusch
January/February 2021
 2013, after original signage restoration. Photo by Sandé Lollis |
If you don't already know him, introduce yourself to Ryan Hunter come mid-February, when he expects to be the proprietor behind the counter at a new store called Manzanita Supply inside the Santa Ysabel Store. He'll be selling general housewares, sewing supplies, and basic hardware. "Not enough to build a house, but enough to finish a project," he's fond of saying when he talks about local needs with backcountry folk. Most would prefer not to drive two hours to buy nails or a needle.
Ryan and his wife, Krystin, know the importance of essentials, as they are making a home off-the-grid in Cuyamaca Woods, within the forested Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Krystin is a marriage and family therapist and provides services to kids at Julian Elementary and Julian Jr. High School. She also works with adults and families in the community through Julian Pathways.
The couple carefully considered what to name the store, destined for the iconic 19th-century adobe building, and are pleased with the result: The name rings true to this mountainous area, where manzanita trees are plentiful. :You don't find manzanita everywhere, so the name ties us to this place," he says.
"It's a beautiful building," Ryan notes, but due to the Santa Ysabel Store's closure during the pandemic, he and Krystin have only peeked in the big storefront windows. That was enough to get him to inquire about its status.
In the adjacent space our resale shop, The Feed Store - Antiques & Such will continue offering a rich array of architectural salvage, antiques, and collectibles.
Ryan envisions adding modern shelves in the middle of the main store, and, of course, leaving the historic architectural features, built-ins and shelving as is. "We want to honor the spirit of the historic store and be good stewards," Ryan said. "We feel lucky to be in that building."
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