The Sando Truck has pulled out of Goleta just two months after opening. Santa Barbara’s beloved Japanese katsu-sando food truck relocated to Goleta in the Target Shopping Center in August 2025 after a successful run in the Funk Zone.
The company and its owner, Nick Gillio, made this announcement on Instagram.
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have made the difficult decision to close our Goleta location,” the post read.
“We are devastated by this abrupt change, but so thankful for the incredible support this community has shown us.”
Its last day will be Sunday, September 28. The company plans to take their truck on the road for October with a few stops planned at Captain Fatty’s and local festivals.
“This isn’t goodbye. We’ll still be around after this month with pop-ups, so make sure to follow us here to stay up to date on where you can find us. From the bottom of our hearts — thank you,” the post further read.
View this post on Instagram.
According to the company’s website, Gillio’s love for katsu sandos began during his visits to Japan, where this iconic sandwich, featuring a breaded, deep-fried cutlet of pork (tonkatsu) or chicken, is a popular meal and snack.
Served on soft, fluffy Japanese shokupan bread, katsu sandos can be found everywhere in Japan, from convenience stores and vending machines to restaurants. Inspired by its flavor, Gillio has long dreamed of introducing this classic to the U.S.
Fueled by the rising popularity of katsu sandos in Japan and across the U.S., The Sando Truck hit the road to share its take on the classic sandwich. Now rolling through Santa Barbara County, the truck uses top-quality meats, traditional shokupan from a local vendor, and fresh panko made from shokupan crusts—delivering authentic flavor while cutting down on waste.
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What a bummer! We finally had a food truck bringing something unique to our area and they are already leaving early. This place is really good! We really lack quality and variety in take out type places in this part of Goleta. Hoping someone steps up and steps in!
Why is this news? -*/-*
RHS – that’s pretty chauvanistic of you to think you’re the arbiter of what is and isn’t news on a local news site.
Why are you trolling?
It’s unfortunate that not enough people have supported the Sando Truck to keep it afloat. The article states that they were quite successful in the Funk Zone, so maybe they should go back to their original location. The Target parking lot does not exactly scream out for lovers of “street” food. There’s also a massive amount of competition at that same location from other food establishments (Lilliy’s Tacos, Saigon Noodle, Jack in the Box, Cajun Kitchen, Subway Sandwich, Pollofino, Rusty’s Pizza, Chipotle….then cross the street and there’s even more competition in the Home Depot/Costco/Albertson’s area). Bottom line is that the Sando Truck is only one of about 30 places to eat in that area, and I believe Lilly’s Taco takes about 25-35% of the prepared food sales. There’s also Slodoco Donuts, but I have not been there yet so I don’t know if they also serve food along with the donuts.