The Coto de Caza General Store
The Coto de Caza General Store is a unique and charming landmark in our community. Located off of Vista Verde near the intersection of Coto Drive, the General Store serves the community as a local grocery store, a deli, and a place where residents of Coto de Caza can relax and socialize. The General Store is in the Coto de Caza original north section, along with the Coto de Caza equestrian center and the Coto Valley Community Club. It is also close to the Village, the original housing community in Coto. Many residents of the Village enjoy the convenience and proximity of this store.
Update - Sadly, the Coto General Store is no more! Plans are to convert the structure to newer, multi-store facility. The original Coto de Caza General Store will be missed! Update 2018 - George has sold the store and the following owner has also re-sold the property. The old store building has been completely torn down and it is now just an empty lot. Not sure what the future will be on this lot
History
The store was originally constructed in the 1960s as a private home for the family that owned and operated the Coto de Caza Hunt Club and its main facility (in the old Merryhill Private School building). With the increasing number of visitors to Coto de Caza, the family decided to convert the home to a general grocery store to service the members of the Hunt Club, as well as the Vic Braden Tennis Center (now the Coto Valley Community Club).
Mahar George, owner of the Coto General Store
I n 1988, the store was acquired by Mahar George (known to everyone simply as "George"). As much a fixture in our community as his store, George and his staff provide a friendly, sociable atmosphere that Coto residents have appreciated since he arrived here nearly 20 years ago.
A little known fact is that George actually drives to work five days a week from his family's home in Manhattan Beach, where he originally ran a grocery and meat store. The rustic charm and peaceful environment of Coto de Caza attracted George to the area and compelled him to purchase the General Store and call Coto his second home.
Nestled on an acre of land among newer luxury homes and sumptuous equestrian estates, the General Store remains, as a nostalgic reminder of Coto de Caza's past, as a hunting club and elite tennis resort.
The General Store will be undergoing major refurbishing. The complex will hopefully be reborn as the "Oasis" and several new stores will be added, including an ice cream store, dry cleaner, and coffee shop. While much of the structure will be rebuilt, George intends to maintain the rustic charm and heritage of the original store. Note: Not sure if this will be happening at this point, The store has been torn down. Sadly, someone also stole the signs for the general store that you see in the top picture.
One of the main attractions of the General Store is the old-fashioned soda fountain and deli, where customers can enjoy everything from sandwiches to ice cream cones. The soda fountain is a favorite of locals on weekends.
More photos of the General Store
The store's rustic front porch serves as a social gathering place for children and adults alike.
The candy section has been a major attraction for several generations of Coto children.
The store includes a good selection of grocery items - always a great convenience for busy residents.
T he charming General Store - A Coto landmark.
Related links:
As a 20-year resident of this community, I have always enjoyed
the rustic, country atmosphere of the Coto General Store, and
I would like to thank George for allowing me to produce this
web page. If you are thinking of buying, leasing, or
relocating to Coto de Caza, CA, please give me a call.
