Santa Barbara’s State Street is home to a new Indian food restaurant.

Namaste Indian Bistro plans to open at the end of next week at 1218 State St.

Owner Rohit Singh told Noozhawk that he owns an Indian food restaurant in Riverside and decided to move to Santa Barbara.

“Santa Barbara is good, the weather is good,” Singh said. “People like Indian food here.”

Namaste joins Indian Tandoori Kingdom, Bibi Ji and Apna Indian Kitchen as Indian food restaurants downtown.

The venue has been home to a few restaurants in recent years, including Bedda Mia, Mollie’s and Tupelo Junction. It has room for 100 guests inside, along with outdoor seating.

“We have a bigger location,” he said.

The new restaurant is a few doors down from Santa Playa Mariscos and Yona Redz.

Santa Barbara Public Market Getting New Business

Lily’s Donuts & Pops is coming “soon” to the Santa Barbara Public Market, according to its Instagram page.

The shop also has a location planned for the 500 block of State Street.

“Memories of coffee and doughnuts before a morning surf, cruising the boardwalk with friends, piling into our Bronco for a top-down drive along the coast and capping the perfect day with bonfire at sunset defined our youth,” the company states on its website. “Now with families of our own, we created Lily’s to be the ‘taste track” of a new generation’s memories of sun-kissed summer adventures.”

Tori McLaughlin Joins Ritz-Carlton Bacara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara has hired Tori McLaughlin to lead the sales and marketing team.

“Bacara is an iconic property and a Santa Barbara jewel,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “I am thrilled to be leading the sales and marketing team. I’m looking forward to my role ensuring the brand’s high standards, providing excellent customer service, and supporting both employees and guests.” 

McLaughlin previously served as divisional vice president of sales and marketing at Remington Hospitality, overseeing 15 hotels and generating $206 million in revenue.

She previously served in key leadership roles as the director of sales and marketing at the Mar Monte Hotel and regional director of sales and marketing with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Group.

McLaughlin has traveled to Turkey, Greece, New Zealand and Ireland, according to a news release.

Locals Only Hotel Discount

Locals who stay in hotels on the South Coast can get a 30% discount.

Residents between Goleta and Carpinteria can book rooms and get the reduction in price.

The deals apply to stays between October and early 2025 at more than a dozen properties, according to Visit Santa Barbara.

“Visit Santa Barbara is excited to bring back the locals’ lodging promotion for the second year, offering community members and their visiting friends and family great seasonal rates on overnight hotel stays,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, president/CEO of Visit Santa Barbara.

Participating hotels include The Leta Hotel, Rosewood Miramar Beach, Best Western Plus South Coast Inn, Inn by the Harbor, Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara, The Eagle Inn, Hotel Milo, Paradise Retreats, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara-Santa Barbara, El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Best Western Plus Santa Barbara, Lavender Inn by the Sea and Brisas del Mar.

Restrictions and terms may vary by property.

Fundraiser Helps Carpinteria and Summerland

Westerlay Orchids plans to donate 100% of retail store proceeds to the Carpinteria Education Foundation from Oct. 21-26.

“We care about this community, and giving back to CEF and local schools has been one of our favorite ways to express appreciation for Carpinteria,” owner and president Toine Overgaag said. “Supporting these students in an impactful way is something we look forward to doing every year.”

It’s the seventh year of contributions to the CEF. Last year, Westerlay raised about $21,335, according to a news release.

Money raised during this fundraiser will help fund library resources. The organization partners with local schools to provide scholarship opportunities and other essential resources. The CEF offers students skill-building in science and technology, language arts, humanities, culinary arts, and agriculture, according to a news release.

The Westerlay Showroom is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located at 3504 Via Real in Carpinteria.