Central Coast baked potato business earns spot for every San Jose Sharks home game
PRUNEDALE, Calif. —
The San Jose Sharks kicked off their season at the SAP Center, where Ivan’s Baked Potatoes, a local business that started at the Watsonville Farmers Market 30 years ago, has secured a permanent spot in the arena.
Carlos Cosio, the owner of Ivan’s Baked Potatoes, shared how his family-run business has grown over the years, expanding to eight food trucks that serve the Central Coast.
“We’re now at different stadiums. Local venues like the rodeo partnered with Stadium in Monterey Bay. We do the Monster Jam when it comes to this town. We’re at Bay FC and Earthquake matches,” Cosio said.
He added, “Someone from SAP reached out, and we decided to take on the opportunity.”
The SAP Center, home to the San Jose Sharks, will feature Ivan’s Baked Potatoes at every home game this season. The business, which started under a canopy at the Watsonville Farmers Market, has come a long way, and its loyal customers are thrilled about its success.
“I mean, that’s awesome,” said Veronica Lara. “I just love to see people succeed, especially when you start small because no matter what, a business is business, and it takes a while to get up there. Shout out to them. That’s awesome that they’re going this big.”
Fans of the loaded potatoes have their favorites.
“Normally I get like with everything besides the butter and salt, but I love the flavor of it. Like, it’s, like it’s just so good,” said Karla Silva.
“My daughters want one, and I want one,” Lara added. “I like the basic one, but I’ve tried the meat ones too, and they’re good. So just basic today.”
Cosio said the most popular item on the menu is the “three meater,” a four-pound baked potato that can feed four to five people.
“The go-to favorite is… our three meater. It’s over 4 pounds. It feeds about 4 to 5 people. And you can customize it with butter, sour cream, cheese, jalapenos, green onions. We have asada, bacon, chorizo and al pastor. And you can customize however you want it,” Cosio said.
The fan-favorite four-pound potato will be available at every Sharks home game this season.