Chase Restaurant & Lounge in Santa Barbara has finally reopened its doors after a fire forced it to close for repairs in October 2024.
The restaurant, at 1012 State St., announced that it was open for business in an Instagram post on Sunday.
The business originally closed after a fire in a back storage room damaged a wall and part of the second-story floor.
George Bitar, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Nicole, said the venue has new floors, walls and ceilings. He said that although the building is old, the inside is now brand-new.
Bitar said he and his wife feel fortunate that they were able to reopen after the fire. He added that the restaurant is iconic and means a lot to the community because of its 47-year history.
“We gave it all the love that it required,” Bitar said. “We hope to continue to do so. Our customers are dedicated, and we are dedicated to them as well.”
Nobu Santa Barbara Coming to Biltmore Hotel
Sushi spot Nobu will be opening a branch at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore in Santa Barbara when the hotel eventually reopens.
The sushi restaurant has opened spots around the world, including Los Angeles, Barcelona, Sydney and more.
The new location will be known as Nobu Santa Barbara and will be one of the dining options at the renovated hotel. The Biltmore is in Montecito at 1260 Channel Drive.
There is no confirmed date for when the hotel will reopen. It closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
1880 Union Hotel Launches Wine Weekends
The 1880 Union Hotel in Los Alamos at 362 Bell St. is launching a Spring Wine Weekend Series in April and May. It announced that it will begin accepting overnight guests for the first time in 10 years.
Kylie McCarthy, creative director of the 1880 Union Hotel, called the event a historic moment.
“After more than a decade of focusing solely on private events and weddings,” McCarthy said in a press release. “We’re finally inviting the public back to experience our newly redesigned interiors and upgraded suites.”
Bookings will take place over four weekends, when guests will be able to pair their trips with vineyard tastings, multi-course dinners and more. The hotel has partnered with winemakers from Santa Barbara County, who will each host their own weekend.
The winemakers include Lo-Fi Wines, McKinney Family Vineyards, Koehler Winery and Demetria Estate.
Queen Cup Goes Mobile in Los Olivos
Queen Cup Coffee is on the move in Los Olivos.
The coffee shop, formerly located in Santa Ynez, is now operating out of a mobile trailer in Los Olivos at 2900 Nojoqui Ave. The shop serves espresso drinks and breakfast burritos.
The caravan officially opened in January and is open daily beginning at 7 a.m.
Rincon Brewery Closes Funk Zone Location
Rincon Brewery announced on Sunday that it was closing its Funk Zone location at 205 Santa Barbara St. at the end of the day.
The Santa Barbara brewery thanked all of its customers for the good times.
“If you shared a pint, a laugh, or a sunny afternoon here with us in Santa Barbara, thank you,” the message read. “Today is all about gratitude for the memories we’ve made together.”
The post also said the brewery will continue at its Carpinteria and Ventura locations.
Dylan Star Boutique Closes Down
Women’s clothing shop Dylan Star Boutique announced on Monday that it has closed its doors for good.
The store, at 110 Anacapa St. in Santa Barbara, was in business for eight years.
Owner Erica Brown announced on Facebook that the store was closing down, but would continue to appear at pop-ups, private styling events and other special events.
Jersey Mike’s Arrives in Buellton
Jersey Mike’s Subs has opened at a new location in Buellton, at 211 E. Highway 246, Unit 201.
The Buellton Chamber of Commerce announced that the business was open on Feb. 25.
Have you noticed any businesses opening, closing, or moving locations? Send us your BizHawk tips and photos at news@noozhawk.com.