You have to try “The Don.”

That’s what Santa Barbara Public Market owner Travis Twining recommends.

He’s very familiar with the Italian sandwich — made with ham, mortadella, capocollo, genoa salami, provolone, tomato, mustard and mayonnaise — because he is also the owner of the market’s hottest new restaurant, Big T’s Deli.

“If they don’t like the sandwich, they can get a refund,” Twining said.

Big T’s Deli replaces Wexler’s Deli, which lasted only a few months in the market. Twining was a partial owner in that endeavor, but he said it didn’t work because the other partners were trying to run the deli from Los Angeles.

“They made a great run at it, but they realized trying to run it from Los Angeles is a beast of its own,” Twining said. “They were unsuccessful in capturing that loyalty from the locals.”

The new deli, however, is all about Santa Barbara.

“We increased the quality of the product, and we lowered the price and made menu changes that reflected the quality of the product,” Twining said. “We added a lot of love to the sandwiches.”

The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other sandwich names include the Westside, the Big Daddy and the Salmon Sammy. The deli also serves salads.

Fala Bar Leaving Public Market

Meanwhile, vegan restaurant Fala Bar is bolting from the Santa Barbara Public Market.

“Fala decided to leave after five years in the market,” Twining said. “We have been contacted by several well-known restaurants in town and deciding what will be the best fit for the market.”

Twining said those interested are “all very well-known names in the community.”

Vegan restaurants appear to be struggling, with Oliver’s and Mesa Verde closing recently. Rascal’s on Haley Street, however, is still humming.

Public Market Booming

Twining said the Santa Barbara Public Market has seen unheard of foot traffic in the past year.

“We are trying to create that atmosphere where everyone finds something they love,” Twining said.

Last year, the back bar was redone and now seats 38 people. The market added more TVs and created a vibrant sports bar atmosphere on nights with big games. Wednesday Trivia Night brings in additional 100 people.

Twining said he expects 2025 to bring “exciting new things and activities.”

Radius Takes Over Paseo Nuevo Leasing

Radius Commercial Real Estate brokers Miles Waters, Michael Chung, Austin Herlihy and Chris Parker will be taking over retail leasing responsibilities for Santa Barbara’s Paseo Nuevo mall.

“Radius’ new leasing approach will provide retailers the flexibility of short-term leases, offering an opportunity to explore the location without long-term commitments,” according to a news release. “Paseo Nuevo mall will continue to offer 24/7 security, small-business cohorts and event marketing to foster a collaborative, supportive and vibrant environment for tenants.”

The brokers said the mall is committed to preserving retail as an important feature in its future. 

“Radius, with deep roots in the Santa Barbara community, is focused on supporting small- and mid-sized businesses, artisanal brands and unique local concepts that align with Santa Barbara’s distinctive culture,” according to the news release. “Currently, over 50% of Paseo Nuevo’s tenants are local. By offering short-term leasing options, Radius lowers barriers for local businesses to establish a presence and explore the space before a longer commitment.”

Santa Barbara Bed Taxes Up

Santa Barbara’s transient occupancy tax revenues are coming in 2.4% above the projected budget, year to date.

The city collected $2.1 million in December, according to a city news release.

Year to date, it has collected $19.5 million in overall hotel bed taxes, of which approximately $17.1 million came from hotels and $2.4 million from short-term rentals.

The city’s adopted TOT budget for all funds is $34.5 million.