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It’s the new year and the restaurant scene has already seen some ups and downs.
Below are the latest going-ons in the Santa Barbara food and beverage scene.
Metropulos Fine Foods Closes in the Funk Zone
The Funk Zone’s longtime European deli offering tasty hot sandwiches and “fancy pants” items officially announced their closure before the end of 2023.
Owners Ann and Craig Addis posted a long letter to customers titled “The Real Story” stating their retirement from the food business.
They went on to state they’ve been trying to sell the business and/or building for some time now but have yet to receive an offer. Since the deli is located within a residential condominium complex, the homeowners association (HOA) has been demanding the space be tented to treat termites.
“We have been trying to postpone the tenting until we have sold our building, as it means we’ll have to empty the building of all foods, packaging, dry goods, etc, and start over. Unfortunately, the HOA has imposed a deadline, forcing us to consider all options,” the owners stated. “After 20 years and into our 60’s, starting over isn’t an option for us, so we’ve made the decision to close while we decide what’s next for the space.”
The Addis’ said if the offer they’re expecting doesn’t happen, they might locate an operator and lease out the space or perhap reopen under some “alternate iteration.”
The owners thanked their employees and customers for their longtime support. The deli plans to stay open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until they run out of ingredients.
“The outpouring of kind words has been overwhelming; we are proud to have created this successful business, from scratch, in the time before Funk Zone was a thing, before YELP and before SB had a local Whole Foods, multiple Trader’s Joes, and Bristol Farms,” the Addis’ said. “Queue the sunset, and two marauders riding into it.”
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Closes in Goleta
An edhat reader reported a sign on the front door of the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Goleta announced its closing.
Located at 5745 Calle Real, this was the last of the “Coffee Beans” located in the south coast. At one point there were at least five locations.
So long Winter Dream Tea Lattes.
Uptown Lounge Reopens After Three Month Closure
The popular watering hole on Upper State Street, the Uptown Lounge, reopened after a three-month closure.
Located at 3126 State Street, the bar closed in September last year for an undisclosed reason, which was later revealed the business sold to a group of local investors.
A “Grand Opening” was held on January 6 of this year and the new owners plan to keep the live music element.
Pea-Soup Andersen’s Shuts Down in Buellton
We reported last week the nearly 100-year-old restaurant off Highway 101 in Buellton, the iconic Pea Soup Andersen’s, closed for “redevelopment.”
What that means, we’re not entirely sure, but the doors are locked and the lights are off. What’s going to happen to the billboards? For nostalgia’s sake I hope they stay.
The hotel located next to the restaurant is under different ownership and will stay open. Read the full report, as well as a little history on the place, here.
Giovanni’s Pizza Moves in Carpinteria, Good Plow Possibly Closing?
John Palminteri reports Giovanni’s Pizza at 5003 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria in moving two blocks down to The Good Plow at 5205 Carpinteria Avenue.
This is the original location of Foster Freeze that closed in 2021. The building of the current home of Gio’s was apparently sold and has plans to be demolished, according to The Restaurant Guy.
The Good Plow opened about 2.5 years ago and it’s unclear if the business will close or move to a new location.
Isla Vista Co-Op Takes Over State Street Cantwell’s Market & Deli
The Isla Vista Co-Op has taken the reigns of local’s favorite, Cantwell’s Market & Deli on State Street in Santa Barbara.
In September we reported a 27-unit apartment complex is proposed above and around the current Cantwell’s Market building on State Street and Arrellaga Streets.
Cantwell’s owner, who also owns the property and is involved in the development of the housing project, reportedly sold the business to the Isla Vista Co-Op to focus more time on the real estate development.
The market remains open but a grand reopening will take place this spring under the name “The Isla Vista Co-op, featuring Cantwell’s Market.”
Bruxie Opens in Paseo Nuevo
Bruxie, a “culinary casual” concept offering waffle sandwiches, chicken tenders, and custard shakes, opened in Santa Barbara’s Paseo Nuevo Mall after the New Year. This is its eighth California restaurant with other locations in Southern California.
“Santa Barbara is a highly sought-after destination for tourists, thanks to its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and diverse cuisine,” says Bruxie CEO, Scott Grinstead. “Bruxie is the perfect restaurant for visitors and locals alike who are searching for a diverse flavor profile to add to their experience. We can’t wait to see how Bruxie contributes to the vibrant lifestyle of Santa Barbara.”
The chain opened in 2010 with the hopes of providing a friendly atmosphere utilizing fresh ingredients, proprietary recipesm and creative culinary ideas to deliver an “elevated fast-casual dining experience.” Shakes are made with real Wisconsin custard, sauces are handmade in-house daily, and chicken is marinated for 24 hours before being fried.
“Best BBQ” to Open on State Street
The Santa Paula-based restaurant, Best BBQ, is coming to State Street in Santa Barbara.
“We have some exciting news! Best BBQ will open its second location in Santa Barbara early next year,” the post stated. “Stay tuned and follow us for photos and videos of our new location.”
The restaurant will open at 716 State Street, the former home of Choppa Poke near Blenders in the Grass.
Indian Tandoori Kingdom Replaces Oppi’z
There’s a permit sign on the door at 1026 State Street, the former home of Oppi’z, for Indian Tandoori Kingdom.
This location was the longtime home of Palazzio before it closed in 2015.
Finney’s Crafthouse Takes Over Goleta’s Hollister Brewing Company
The Southern California burger joint will open its second location on the South Coast. Finney’s Crafthouse already has a location in the first block of State Street, below one of the Hotel Californian buildings, and now they’re taking over the Hollister Brewing Company building in Goleta’s Calle Real Marketplace.
The restaurant made the announcement last month on Instagram stating, “Excited to announce Finney’s is coming to…Goleta !!! Opening end of 2024. We can’t wait to join this amazing community.”
Described as a “family-owned American tavern built for good times,” the restaurant likely plans to target UCSB students and their visiting families based on the “Go Gauchos” hashtags.
New Mexican Seafood Restaurant Slated for Brasil Arts Cafe Location
A new Mexican Seafood eatery is coming to State Street by the owners of Yona Redz.
Last month we reported that Yona Redz received $50,000 from DoorDash’s local restaurant giveaway.
The new restaurant will be at 1230 State Street, the former home of the Brasil Arts Cafe.
Mister Softee Opens in Downtown Santa Barbara
The vintage ice cream parlor has opened at 935 State Street in Santa Barbara, the former home of Creamistry.
The ice cream chain was originally created by brothers William and James Conway in 1956 in Philadelphia. It’s still owned by relatives of the brothers and is one of the largest franchisers of soft ice cream in the United States, with about 350 franchisees operating 625 ice cream trucks in 18 states.
The shop serves a variety of soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, and coffee. Plans to bring a Mister Softee ice cream truck up to Santa Barbara is also in the works.
This franchise owners are currently operating two other locations in Camarillo and Ventura. The Santa Barbara location is now open with a grand opening planned on January 20.
