A neighborhood watering hole and place of discovery for a century!

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In the 1860’s, almost 50 years before the Davenport Roadhouse, then called the Cash Store, was built, the town of Davenport was founded by Captain John Davenport, a whaler from the East coast. Davenport watched the whales pass close to shore and decided this was a good place to start a whaling business to capitalize on the great demand for lamp oil. Soon after he built a pier, a small town grew up around his lucrative business.

The Santa Cruz Portland Cement Company started operation in 1906, and then the two first stores in town were built: the Cash Store, a classic, old-time general store, and next door, a public bath house which later became a bar and dance hall, then a dentist’s office and finally a residence. As the cement plant hired more workers, the population of Davenport grew. In the 1960’s and 70’s a thriving artist community developed.

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In 1977, at 1 Davenport Ave. construction was completed on the New Davenport Cash Store by Bruce and Marcia McDougal, artists and educators who ran the Big Creek Pottery program. Built on the site of the original Cash Store which burned down in 1953, it housed the owner’s pottery school with apartments above for the students. The McDougal's served hearty soups, cinnamon buns, and nourishing meals to artists and friends – until eventually, they opened up their doors to the public. The New Davenport Cash Store was a destination to many, and a favorite to locals, also housing what some deemed "the best art and gift shop in California". 

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In 1998 after the Trust for Public Land purchased 7,000 acres of land that had been owned by the Coast Dairies and Land Company, the Davenport Cash Store found itself in the middle of miles of beautiful, open coastal space. Parcels are now being transferred to government agencies to preserve the land and make 407 acres of land stretching from Santa Cruz to Davenport and Scotts Creek open to the public for all to enjoy. In 2006, the Cash Store was acquired and renovated by a group of friends with diverse talents but a common vision: to create a unique destination that reflects the warm expression of the beauty, agricultural bounty and artisanship of Davenport and the Santa Cruz Mountain region.  The Cash Store was also renamed to Davenport Roadhouse at the Cash Store.

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Today, the Davenport Roadhouse is a family-owned Restaurant and Inn of 9 rooms , a store featuring local and found creations and a center of activities for guests and the local community. We are a respite for travelers from near and far – whether making a stop for picnic provisions, a beer on the patio, or a few nights at the Inn. We are committed to fresh and local food, comfortable rooms, and good vibes! Come hang out with us!