Zapp, there it is.
The region’s first Thai food truck is now parked outside Draughtsmen Aleworks, 53 Santa Felicia Drive in Goleta.
Buck Thananaken, chef and founder of the Santa Barbara Public Market’s Wabi Sabi, and his wife, chef Nui Pannak, have launched the food truck together and are serving a menu full of “creative, comforting and deeply flavorful dishes inspired by Asian street food and some of the classics.”
While the two have separate restaurant projects, they have come together to start their own food truck, serving businesses in the industrial area of Goleta as well as people who live in the apartments, condos and houses a stone’s throw away.
“Zapp isn’t about fusion for the sake of trend,” Pannak said. “It’s about expressing our favorite memories through food. Some dishes come from childhood comfort.”
The food choices include crunch rolls, crying tiger tacos, drunken heat udon noodles, larb fries and the pad Thai, which is topped with the option of chicken, pork belly, tofu or shrimp.
The food truck is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and again from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
“Zapp and Draughtsmen share a love for our craft and community,” Pannak said. “We’re both locally owned and run, and we care deeply about what we make and how we make people feel. This is food and drink made with love.”
Zapp means “very delicious” in the Isan dialect of Thailand.
Dom’s Taverna Nears Opening
In downtown Santa Barbara, Dom’s Taverna appears to be gearing up to open. It has a new sign above the door at 30 E. Victoria St. in Santa Barbara.
The spot is the former home of Trattoria Vittoria.
“Dom’s Taverna is opening soon — and we’re building a team as bold and soulful as our food,” according to its Instagram account.
It’s set to open this month.
“Chef Dom Crisp is bringing bold basque flavors, fresh local seafood and Santa Barbara soul to the heart of the historic downtown Santa Barbara,” the company said.
Marisella Coming to Ritz-Carlton Bacara
The new Marisella restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara “is a culinary love letter to the California coast from chef/partner Danny Grant of Maple Hospitality Group,” according to a news release.
Grant is known for creating “immersive dining experiences,” the news release states.
“Marisella will offer a luxurious yet relaxed escape where timeless hospitality meets the laid-back rhythm of the sea,” according to the news release. “With sweeping views, dimly lit ambiance, and a menu reflecting both heritage and innovation, this concept is unlike any other from Grant. “
He is the chef behind acclaimed restaurants including Maple & Ash, Monarch, Kessaku and Eight Bar.
“California has always held a special kind of magic for chefs — with its unmatched ingredients, vibrant culinary culture, and incredible climate,” Grant said in a statement. “Opening Marisella on the Central Coast, and at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara no less, is truly a dream come true.”
Marisella is translated as “star of the sea.” The restaurant is set to officially open on June 26.
Soul Bites Restaurant Appears Closed
The downtown Soul Bites restaurant appears to have closed at 423 State St. in Santa Barbara. Noozhawk featured Soul Bites when it opened.
Some of the windows are papered over and the inside looks abandoned, with dishes stacked, some sandwich bags and a bottle of some liquid.
Now, there’s an eviction notice on the front door of the State Street site.
The notice states: “The following property was restored to the landlord on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The eviction notice came from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, with the name of the court listed as Santa Barbara County Superior Court.”
The restaurant had a Go Fund Me campaign last year to raise money to stay in business.
Farmers and Merchants Trust Co. Appoints New Manager
Farmers and Merchants Trust Co. has appointed Salvatore “Tory” Milazzo as senior vice president, trust and investment manager.
He will head the newly relocated office at 33 E. Carrillo St. in Santa Barbara starting in mid-July.
“The Walker family is proud to have Tory join us and help carry forward our tradition of relationship-focused service,” Christine Walker-Bowman, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in a news statement. “He offers valuable experience and a client-first mindset that aligns perfectly with our values. His strong ties in Santa Barbara embody the leadership we’re honored to have.”
Milazzo will lead the expansion of FMTC’s trust and wealth management practices in Santa Barbara County.
“What drew me to FMTC are the core values rooted in the Walker family legacy — integrity and service above self,” Milazzo said. “They have a long history of white-glove service that sets FMTC apart, and I’m proud to uphold that tradition at the new Santa Barbara office.”
Toyota Buys Nissan Dealership
The Toyota of Santa Barbara dealership has taken over Santa Barbara Nissan on Kellogg Avenue.
An employee at Toyota confirmed the news on Thursday.
It was the only Nissan dealership on the South Coast.