Nestled in the heart of Grover Beach is Okui’s Strawberry n Fruit Stand. It is a shining example of the enduring spirit of family farming. With three generations of expertise and a deep-rooted commitment to quality, the Okui family has turned their fruit stand into a Central Coast destination.

Their story is one of resilience, evolution, and a passion for growing the sweetest strawberries around. In short, Okui’s Strawberry n Fruit Stand is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of California agriculture.

A Legacy of Family Farming

Charles Okui runs the operation with his sister Joan. He shared how his family’s farming journey began after World War II. “My grandfather… he used to own a store in Pismo Beach before the war. They had to quit that because of the camps they were in, so, after the war, they started farming” Charles explained.

This history reflects the broader story of Japanese-American farmers in California who faced tremendous hardship during internment, followed by having to rebuild their agricultural businesses from scratch. Charles’ grandfather, Charlie Sakamoto, began growing berries on the five-acre farm adjacent to today’s stand in 1948.

“They got into agriculture because after the war, there were no jobs. A lot of Japanese immigrants in that generation did farming because nobody would hire them” Charles noted.

The family’s perseverance paid off. The second generation-Charles’ parents-expanded operations, at one point farming 50 acres of strawberries in Grover Beach. Today, Charles and Joan represent the third generation. Charles handles growing and selling while Joan manages the fruit stand and accounting. 

The Key Is The Central Coast 

The Central Coast’s unique climate—cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and gentle ocean breezes—plays a starring role in the farm’s success. 

“You cannot beat the climate that is on the Central Coast,” Charles points out. This combination of natural elements creates the perfect environment for growing sweet, juicy strawberries and flavorful vegetables.

The Secret to Sweet Strawberries

What makes Okui’s strawberries stand out from supermarket varieties? The farming practices and commitment to quality over quantity.

“The big ticket to get sweeter strawberries is that we leave them on like two or three days longer than commercial picking so they will ripen to their full color,” Charles explained. “If we tried to do the full color on a shipping side, they would be bruised and overripe. And they will not make it to the store.”

This patience allows the berries to develop their complete sweetness. This is a luxury only possible when selling directly to consumers at a farm stand. 

The star of the show at the fruit stand is the Albion variety, prized for its intense sweetness and flavor. Other strawberry varieties, like Monterey and the experimental V69, make appearances early in the season. The Albion variety becomes the marquee berry by late spring. 

For those feeling adventurous, the stand occasionally offers pineberries—a novelty with a flavor described as a cross between strawberry and pineapple.

Beyond Strawberries: A Diversified Farm

While the strawberry stand might be their most visible operation, that is only one piece of Okui Farms. When Charles joined the business after graduating from Cal Poly in 1990, he expanded beyond strawberry production into vegetables.

These days, Okui Farms grows about 30 acres of strawberries in Grover Beach and 150 acres of vegetables in Santa Maria. Their vegetable crops include broccoli, cauliflower, cilantro, and Napa cabbage.

The commercial side of their business supplies produce to markets throughout California, with the majority of their strawberries going to the Bay Area, Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

The Farm Stand Creates Community 

The fruit stand is more than a sales point – it connects the farm to the neighborhood. Charles opened the stand about 27 years ago to help locals appreciate the agricultural work happening in their midst. 

“Before we had the fruit stand, they just saw dirt, dust, trucks, and diesel products going out” Charles explained. “When we opened the fruit stand… they all felt a part of it. They see what’s going on, they watch your crops grow, and they enjoy the open space and getting local product.”

Visiting Okui’s Strawberry n Fruit Stand

The fruit stand operates seasonally, typically opening from late March through Labor Day. The stand is conveniently located at 1234 Highland Drive in Grover Beach, where customers can watch the fields in action, and pick up strawberries as well as other seasonal produce and fresh flowers.

The 2025 season is in full swing, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy these legendary strawberries and support a true California treasure. Looking for more local gems? The Central Coast is bursting with agricultural delights and Okui’s Strawberry n Fruit Stand is the perfect place to start your adventure.

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Meet Aida Mollenkamp

Aida is a food and travel expert, author, chef, Food Network personality, founder of the travel services company, Salt & Wind Travel, and has made her career in food travel media and hospitality and has crisscrossed the globe to search out the best food destinations. Her cookbook, Keys To The Kitchen, is a go-to for home cooks who want to become more adventurous cooks and the Travel Guides For Food Lovers series she co-authored are beloved among food travelers.

Influenced by her many adventures, and inspired by the abundance of California grown produce, Aida’s recipes are fun, fresh and flavorful.

Be sure to try Aida’s Honey and Oregano Broiled Feta Caprese, Crunchy Fried Avocado Tacos, Smashed Green Olive and Pistachio Burrata Bruschetta, and One-Pot Lemon Garlic Basil Artichoke Chicken.

This article was written by Aida Mollenkamp. Photo credit James Collier for CA GROWN.