Our History
After receiving a Bachelors of Science degree in Business and Marketing from the University of Oregon in 1968, Erik Johnson, born in Oakland and raised on the Monterey Peninsula, moved to San Francisco and began working as a cost accountant. In February, 1969, Johnson went on a six month backpacking trip that took him across Europe and North Africa. Upon his return, Johnson worked as a security officer, a cook and food server at a small burger and shake restaurant and as an accountant.
1970s
In January, 1971, Johnson relocated to Santa Cruz and ventured into real estate. As it became clear that he was not suited to be a realtor, Johnson began to have ambitions of opening his own business. In September, 1973, after making unsuccessful bids on a health food store, ice cream shop and doughnut shop, Johnson purchased a 600 square foot location in Scotts Valley for $429. Borrowing the amount from his father, Johnson signed a note to cover equipment costs and took over the lease of the former Tartan Bakery.
In the following year the neighboring TV store closed and Johnson was able to expand Erik’s Deli to 1860 square feet.
With the expansion of the first Erik’s in Scotts Valley, Erik was then ready to take the next step, opening a second location in Capitola in June of 1976. After the success of the second Erik’s, a third Erik’s quickly followed with Erik’s DeliCafé of Aptos opening in October of 1977. The very next year, Erik’s expansion in Santa Cruz County continued with Erik’s DeliCafé of Santa Cruz opening in June of 1979.
1980s
After opening four Erik’s in Santa Cruz County, Erik and Erik’s DeliCafé took the next step, opening a location outside of the County. Erik’s DeliCafé of Los Gatos opened in March of 1981.
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The 1980s was a period of growth for Erik’s with locations opening throughout San Jose, Santa Clara and San Mateo County.
1990s
The 1990s saw further expansion for Erik’s including the opening of Erik’s first “general store.”
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Erik’s DeliCafé of Santa Cruz – Soquel Drive opened in November of 1994 and was the first Erik’s to be designed as a “General Store.” Although there was no barnwood, Erik’s father Ray Johnson still provided the decor that remains at the location today.
2000s
Over the past couple of years, Erik’s has undergone further expansion, opening many more DeliCafés. These new DeliCafés have a fusion of the Erik’s antique, turn-of-the-century atmosphere with a modern design and feel, with an open floor plan.