Chef Gary Chu has been feeding Sonoma County for more than four decades. His Santa Rosa restaurant serves Japanese standards and Chinese favorites — and the Martini Prawns are all his.

Is it pure optimism or a softening real estate market that's got Sonoma County restaurateurs rushing to open their doors in 2026?

Mercedes Hernandez has owned retail businesses and founded local festivals across Sonoma County. Now, she's working toward a bigger dream.