••• A new Chick-fil-A is in the works, according to the March 18 agenda of the county’s South Board of Architectural Review. It’s in Goleta, apparently on the same lot as the IHOP at 4765 Calle Real (across N. Turnpike Road from the In-n-Out). Here’s the agenda description: “Request of Ed Hale, agent for Turnpike Lodges Limited Partnership dba Ramada Santa Barbara, to consider Case No. 22BAR-00000-00007 for Conceptual Review of a new restaurant of approximately 2,504 square feet. The following structures exist on the parcel currently: restaurant of approximately 7,000 square feet. The proposed project will require approximately 500 cubic yards of cut and 500 cubic yards of fill.” Will this be enough to alleviate the congestion at the one on State Street?
••• Hibachi Steak House & Sushi Bar by Something’s Fishy—that’s the name—has opened at the corner of State and Haley. Prices aside, the menu is straight-up 1980s.
••• Shalhoob Meat Company is opening at the Santa Barbara Public Market, reports Restaurant Guy. Meanwhile, a Siteline reader hears that Shalhoob will be taking over at least two of the stalls, and the Public Market’s new owners are planning to make the space more indoor/outdoor, with expanded patio seating. What’s more, Shalhoob is said to be taking over the former Woody’s BBQ space at 5112 Hollister Avenue. I emailed the company to see if it’ll confirm, but I didn’t hear back.
••• The new owners of the Harbor Restaurant and Longboards on Stearns Wharf shared some of their plans for the spaces: “According to the waterfront department, the concept for the new Harbor Restaurant is a ‘transformed, energetic atmosphere with multiple activated spaces, a re-created and enhanced menu featuring high quality seafood, as well as local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients, new beverages, local craft beers, and cocktails.’ The new owners plan to renovate and enhance the current spaces restaurant floors, along with the outdoor deck, bar areas, a to-go service window, a new lounge area, and a new coffee, pastry and gelato shop.” —Noozhawk
••• The Montecito Journal says that “a well-known Montecito restaurateur” is in talks to buy the Montecito Deli on Coast Village Road; “the new concept […] is a New York–style deli with an ‘Italian, Jewish twist.'” Just guessing here, but it sure sounds like Gene Montesano (Lucky’s, Tre Lune), which would be interesting because I hear he’s sniffing around another space on the strip.
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