Historic Arnoldi’s Cafe Closes After Co-Owner Passes Away

Arnoldi's Cafe at 600 Olive Street in Santa Barbara (edhat file photo)
Arnoldi's Cafe at 600 Olive Street in Santa Barbara (edhat file photo)

Arnoldi’s Cafe in Santa Barbara has temporarily closed after one of the restaurant’s owners, David Peri, passed away last week.

The remaining business owners who ran the restaurant for the past 22 years (Jim and Dede Nonn, Kitty Peri, and Carol Smagala) will be stepping away from the business. “[They] have so much gratitude for being a part of the historical and legendary institution that has brought so many people memories since the 1940s,” the restaurant stated in a social media post.

One of the oldest restaurants in Santa Barbara, Arnoldi’s Cafe was founded by Giuseppe and Ilda Arnold in 1937, at 421 East Cota Street. In 1940, Giuseppe (Joe) quarried local stone and built the present restaurant at 600 Olive Street where it stands today.

May be an image of 2 people and people smiling
Arnoldi’s restaurant closed this week following the passing of co-owner David Peri (left) [courtesy photo]
Arnoldi’s has since become synonymous with the bocce ball, good food at fair prices, and community while entertaining visitors from all over the world.

“Being a part of the history and the tradition of the cafe including countless plates of pasta coming out of the kitchen, the chatter of teams on the bocce court, and special moments – rehearsal dinners, graduations, weddings, birthdays or just a Friday night dinner – has meant so much to us,” the restaurant stated.

Visitors will remember the restaurant’s mural that depicts Lake Como in Italy and Bucky, the Tule Elk, overlooking the bar. Bucky joined the restaurant in 1958 following Joe’s hunting trip to Colorado.

Joe Arnoldi's Cafe in Santa Barbara, date unknown (courtesy
Joe Arnoldi’s Cafe in Santa Barbara, date unknown (courtesy photo)

“We want to thank our incredible staff, our valued customers and the community of Santa Barbara. We are confident the tradition will continue forward but for the time being while we transition to new beginnings, the cafe will be closed,” the restaurant stated.

On May 22, a member of the Arnoldi’s family posted an updated on social media regarding the status of the building.

“Arnoldi’s Cafe is NOT FOR SALE. When Arnoldi’s Cafe doors open again under new business management it will begin a new chapter of a Santa Barbara Historical Landmark,” wrote Jeanette Arnoldi.

arnoldis_buliding_illustration
Sketch of Arnoldi’s Cafe at 600 Olive Street (courtesy)

[Ed Note: This article was updated on 5/24/24 with news from an Arnoldi’s family member seen above.]

lauren

Written by lauren

Lauren is the Publisher of edhat.com. She enjoys short walks on the beach, interesting facts about bees, and any kind of homemade cookie.

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8 Comments

  1. RIP to Mr. Peri and condolances to his family and friends… I hope Arnoldi’s survives this. This restaurant-bar and building are icons in Santa Barbara (is it on a historical building list?). This is the 3rd traditional -local SB restaurant to close in the last month.

  2. Just noticed this from the “Palm” (JP):
    “There is also a Go Fund Me that was sent to me for the 32 employees who need help immediately with rent, food and other needs. https://www.gofundme.com/…/support-for-arnoldis-cafe…
    The message from Jeanette Arnoldi clarifies the future of Arnolid’s. She wanted you to know the future of the restaurant:
    During the “Temporary Closure ” of Arnoldi’s Cafe, I Jeanette Arnoldi property owner/landlord and family have expressed our condolences to the family of David Peri.
    Arnoldi’s Cafe is NOT FOR SALE.
    When Arnoldi’s Cafe doors open again under new business management it will begin a new chapter of a Santa Barbara Historical Landmark.”
    …so not for Sale & Employees could really use some assistance 🙂
    🚴

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