Every Tuesday Edition
Woodland Works
Every week we shine a light on a local business, entrepreneur, or skilled neighbor who makes Woodland a better place to live. Shop local. Know your community.
Featured Business
The Gilded Fork
Owner: Rosa Mendez
"Farm-to-table Mexican cuisine rooted in Yolo County tradition"
Rosa Mendez grew up watching her grandmother cook in Oaxaca, and for the past eight years she's been bringing those same recipes — and that same love — to Woodland's dining scene. The Gilded Fork on Main Street is more than a restaurant; it's a gathering place where Rosa sources nearly everything from within 30 miles of her kitchen.
The Full Story
Rosa Mendez grew up watching her grandmother cook in Oaxaca, and for the past eight years she's been bringing those same recipes — and that same love — to Woodland's dining scene. The Gilded Fork on Main Street is more than a restaurant; it's a gathering place where Rosa sources nearly everything from within 30 miles of her kitchen.
"I know every farmer who grows my ingredients," Rosa says with a smile. "When you eat here, you're tasting Yolo County." Her mole negro, made from a 40-ingredient recipe passed down four generations, has earned a devoted following that stretches well beyond Woodland's city limits.
This spring, Rosa is launching a weekend catering service for quinceañeras, weddings, and community events. She's also partnering with three local farms to offer a weekly farm box pickup at the restaurant every Saturday morning.
Past Spotlights
Yolo Cycle Works
Owner: Marcus & Diane Chen
When Marcus Chen was laid off from his tech job in Sacramento, he and his wife Diane decided to bet on themselves — and on Woodland. They opened Yolo Cycle Works in a small storefront on Court Street, and what started as a repair shop has grown into the community's go-to destination for cycling of all kinds.
Sunroot Bakery
Owner: Amara Osei
Amara Osei started baking sourdough in her home kitchen during the pandemic, gifting loaves to neighbors and friends. The response was so overwhelming that two years later she opened Sunroot Bakery — and Woodland hasn't been the same since.
Know a Business Worth Spotlighting?
Nominate a local Woodland business, entrepreneur, tradesperson, or skilled neighbor. Features are completely free — we choose based on community impact and story quality.
- Restaurants & food businesses
- Trades & skilled services
- Retail & boutique shops
- Artists & creatives
- Farmers & agricultural businesses
- Health & wellness practitioners
Nominate a Business
Free. We'll reach out to the owner and handle the rest.