French Riviera-inspired Bar Lou has opened at the home of the former Oliver’s on Coast Village Road in Montecito.

Brandon Boudet and Warner Ebbink, owners of Little Dom’s Seafood in Carpinteria and Little Dom’s in Los Angeles, opened the restaurant.

“Bar Lou brings the spirit of the French Riviera to the intimate and chic seaside town on California’s Central Coast,” according to a news release. “Featuring a menu of flavorful French-inspired fare, Boudet and Ebbink are putting an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients with farm- (and sea)-to-table recipes, a selection of exceptional wines and classic cocktails.”

Bar Lou is now open for dinner daily. Weekend brunch and weekday lunch are coming soon, according to the news release.

Highlights of the menu include California caviar, smoked black cod smørrebrød, fried zucchini blossoms, harissa-spiced beef kofta, Santa Barbara sea urchin and spaghetti, steak au poivre and frites.

Desserts include chocolate avocado mousse made with coconut cream and cocoa nib brittle, and corn, blackberry and ricotta calas with whipped crème fraiche, reminiscent of New Orleans beignets with French influence, according to the news release.

Bar Lou also offers more than 30 wines from California and France, as well as a variety of cocktails.

The restaurant, at 1198 Coast Village Road, is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Mother Dough Bagels Opening Soon

From cinnamon rolls to sourdough bagels.

Mother Dough Bagels recently announced that it will open in Santa Barbara at 604 Santa Barbara St., the former home of Recipes Bakery, known for its cinnamon rolls.

“I’ve heard countless heartwarming tales about their famous cinnamon rolls and iconic pink shutters. While we’ll be baking up sourdough bagels instead, Mother Dough is dedicated to bringing that same joy and delight that Recipes brought to this wonderful community,” the company said on Instagram.

It is expected to open “very, very soon,” according to the Instagram message.

The company has drawn a big following from its pop-up bagel shops.

Montecito Retail Shines

Radius Commercial Real Estate releases its third-quarter report, which showed positive news with retail leasing.

Wunderkind, a children’s boutique, leased space at 1147 Coast Village Road.

Bella Rosa Estate Jewelry secured 1268 Coast Village Road.

“Both leases commanded rates exceeding $10 a square foot, a premium that reflects the high demand and limited supply of the area,” the report stated.

Smaller Spaces Sizzle on State Street

Radius said that smaller spaces are more attractive to business because they tend to be quicker to market.

Namaste Indian Bistro is at 1218 State St., which is about 2,565 square feet.

The 2,360-square-foot space at 1309 State St. transitioned from Maune Contemporary to Tamsen Gallery.

“The persistent demand for smaller retail spaces highlights a key trend: Businesses are looking for opportunities to enter the market quickly, with minimal upfront investment,” the report states. “As such, spaces that have undergone recent renovations or build-outs are highly desirable.”

Futures of 24-Hour Fitness, Cost Plus World Market

Radius states that 24-Hour Fitness is vacating its space at 820 State St. in Santa Barbara in 2025.

“Although the property is not highly visible from the street, this represents a significant hole downtown,” the report states.

Although Radius reports that Cost Plus World Market is up for lease, property owner Peter Lewis said Cost Plus World Market recently signed a three-year deal that begins in February.