Handy’s Stuffed Foods Debuts at The Cruisery for “Takeover Tuesdays”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Downtown Santa Barbara

Handy’s Stuffed Foods Debuts at The Cruisery for “Takeover Tuesdays”

Tuesday, March 3rd | 5:00–10:00 PM
📍 501 State Street, Santa Barbara

For the first time in its seven-year tenure at 501 State Street, The Cruisery will host a special culinary takeover on Tuesday, March 3rd, led by Santa Barbara local Mike McKenna in collaboration with Aron Ashland and The Cruisery team.

By weekend, Mike can be found behind the bar at Ashland’s sister concept, Unbearable. By weekday, he serves as Culinary Coordinator for Alpha Resource Center (ARC), where he works closely with intellectually and developmentally disabled adults — a role that has reignited his passion for cooking and community.

“Finding your place in the Santa Barbara Bubble can be difficult. Working with these adults has inspired me to cook again — and so much more. I feel home.”

Inspired by the participants he teaches at ARC, Mike began revisiting the regional and international dishes that shaped his culinary journey — from Delaware and Washington, DC to Charleston, St. Croix (USVI), and Austin. After sharing some of his favorite holiday dishes with his students, the spark for something bigger was lit.

Just days later, an early-morning text from Aron Ashland arrived:
“Takeover Tuesdays.”

From that moment, Handy’s Stuffed Foods was born.

Handy’s marks Mike’s second concept, following Tonton, an organic farm project he founded in Delaware (@tontonjardin). The new concept celebrates elevated, nostalgic stuffed foods — refined, indulgent, and rooted in travel and tradition.

Launch Menu Highlights:

Pierogi

Chesapeake-Style Stuffed Lump Crab Pretzels

Brioche Donuts (“Bronuts”)

Suggested drink pairings from The Cruisery’s curated menu

House-made treats for your pup

In a meaningful extension of the ARC Culinary Program, program participants will be assisting with service throughout the evening — offering guests not only a memorable dining experience, but the opportunity to directly support inclusive workforce development in Santa Barbara.

In the spirit of community, a portion of the evening’s proceeds — matched by Aron Ashland — will be donated directly to the Alpha Resource Center Culinary Program, supporting continued hands-on culinary education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Service will run from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on March 3rd, 2026, at The Cruisery. The event will continue as a recurring installment of “Takeover Tuesdays,” creating an ongoing platform for culinary creativity, collaboration, and community impact.

What begins on March 3rd is more than a pop-up — it’s the start of something rooted in purpose, partnership, and really good stuffed food.