Rish Rozera, 29, the new owner of The Copper restaurant on State Street in Santa Barbara, says patrons can expect lower-priced appetizers and handmade pasta.
Rish Rozera, 29, the new owner of The Copper restaurant on State Street in Santa Barbara, says patrons can expect lower-priced appetizers and handmade pasta. Credit: Rebecca Caraway / Noozhawk photo

L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele at 1031 State St. in Santa Barbara is rebranding under new ownership with some lower prices but the same beloved pizza.

The newly named The Copper restaurant is celebrating its grand opening on Friday, with a name that pays respect to the historic building’s past.

The restaurant’s new owner, Rish Rozera, 29, said patrons can expect lower-priced appetizers and handmade pasta, but the L’antica brick oven pizzas will stay the same price, starting at $20, because the ingredients come from Italy. 

“I just want to continue what L’antica was doing before here, but in an elevated way,” Rozera said. “I know that we have definitely elevated the food quality. That’s something I’m very comfortable and very sure about, so people can expect the best pizza in town.”

Rozera moved to Santa Barbara six years ago, on his 22nd birthday, when his family took over ownership of Flavor of India, but he’s worked in restaurants since he was 16 living in New Jersey. 

Since coming to Santa Barbara, he has worked at the The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara and the Rosewood Miramar.

The restaurant’s name, The Copper, pays homage to the Copper Coffee Pot, the building’s first restaurant that opened in 1927. Rozera said he didn’t know about the building’s history when he took over ownership, but now he’s embracing it. 

Inside the restaurant, patrons can view old photos of patrons and servers from years past.
Inside the restaurant, patrons can view old photos of patrons and servers from years past. Credit: Rebecca Caraway / Noozhawk photo

Inside the restaurant, patrons will see old photos of customers and servers from years past who enjoyed the space, and even some historic Santa Barbara photos from the 1925 earthquake, the pier, the train station and Old Spanish Days.

Rozera said he feels “honored” to be a part of the building’s legacy. 

“​​My vision for this place is to make this the most popular restaurant in Santa Barbara, the most lovable restaurant in Santa Barbara,” Rozera said. 

The restaurant now includes a coffee bar, with coffee beans from Ojai, and Rozera said if business goes well, they hope to add a breakfast menu and eventually a happy hour. 

For now, The Copper will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. 

The grand opening is set for 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.

The newly named The Copper restaurant plans to celebrate its grand opening on Friday, with a name that pays respect to the historic building’s past.
The newly named The Copper restaurant plans to celebrate its grand opening on Friday, with a name that pays respect to the historic building’s past. Credit: Rebecca Caraway / Noozhawk photo

Idyll Mercantile Turns to Pickles to Solve Financial Pickle

Idyll Mercantile, a gift and plant shop at 703 Chapala St. in Santa Barbara, is struggling to keep up with rising operating costs, so the store is hosting a fundraising pickle party at 5 p.m. Feb. 5.

“Join us for a fun, community gathering to celebrate five years of Idyll Mercantile, share some laughs, and rally support for the next chapter,” store owner Hannah Bangs wrote on GoFundMe this week. “Just $20 makes a huge difference, so whether you love idyll, pickles or just want to help us out of this pickle, we’d love to see you there!”

Bangs explained on GoFundMe that she hopes to raise $10,000 to stabilize the business and pay outstanding debts. 

“Running a small retail business for five years — especially in recent years — has been hard,” Bangs wrote. “Rising costs, tariffs, increased cost of living, supply chain shifts, and the general volatility of small business ownership have added up. Like many independent shops, we’ve accrued some debt along the way just to keep the doors open and our employees paid.”

The store opened in 2021 and specializes in indoor tropical houseplants and arts and gifts.  

New Events Venue at Santa Maria Valley Estate

The Riverbench Vineyard and Winery announced a new wedding and event venue space, The Farmhouse at Riverbench.

The farmhouse is among vines on the scenic Foxen Canyon estate. The venue includes options for three-hour, full-day and evening events up to 30 people, and multi-day private larger events. 

The property includes a spacious lawn, garden areas, a private kitchen for caterers, Santa Maria-style barbecue, on-site parking with easy vendor access, and overnight accommodations for up to six guests with select packages.

There are also options for intimate wine tastings and tours, lunch services, a portable bar, AV equipment, lawn games, staffing, and Riverbench wine service, according to Lacey Fussel with Muse Wine Management. 

Momentum Dance Company Celebrates New Home

The home of Santa Barbara’s three-time national championship dance team is celebrating a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new location of the Momentum Dance Company on Friday. 

The celebration is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 12 E. Figueroa St. in Santa Barbara, offering champagne and sweet treats. 

Riktr PRO Massage Opens New Location

After 17 years, Riktr PRO Massage, a sports massage studio, is expanding to 827 State St., Suite 20 in Santa Barbara.

The massage therapists focus on helping visitors and local residents recover from sports injuries such as “hikers knee” and “pickleball elbow” and other general athletic wear and tear. 

Local residents can text 805.637.7482 to reserve a consultation time.

Have you noticed any businesses opening, closing, or moving locations? Send us your BizHawk tips and photos at news@noozhawk.com.

— Noozhawk staff writer Rebecca Caraway can be reached at rcaraway@noozhawk.com.