Come one, come all.
In the Mexican tradition of La Fonda, a place where everyone is welcome to come eat, there’s a new restaurant in town.
Cafe La Fonda has opened its doors to all, at 129 E. Anapamu St. in Santa Barbara.
“Traditionally, La Fonda was something that happened when business travelers went through different towns,” said Jacqueline Inda, one of the members of the team that opened the restaurant. “Women-led homes would transform their front yards into eateries. They also attracted tourists by playing music.”
The new restaurant had a soft opening on Dec. 1 and plans to hold an official opening on Dec. 15.
The restaurant is owned by David Cruz, Ruben Gonzalez, Alex Lazaro and Jennifer Sanchez, Inda’s daughter.
The group also provides catering services for quinceaneras and special events at Casa de la Raza. When they heard the Anapamu Street space became available, they jumped on it. In about three weeks, they sanded, painted and redesigned the restaurant, which was formerly the Courthouse Tavern.
About 20% of the restaurant’s proceeds will go to Casa de la Raza’s Suicide by Firearm Prevention Project, a program starting in January.
The group calls themselves “family.”
Gonzalez said he helped clean up his life and stop drinking with help from Inda and through Casa de la Raza’s services. He is a bit of a jack of all trades — dishwasher, chef’s helper, and server.
Lazaro helped design the restaurant and painted the interior. Cruz is the chef, having worked at local establishments, including the Rosewood Miramar, for the past 30 years. Sanchez is the restaurant’s business manager.
Cruz’s recipes come from his mother, and he uses only fresh foods. Inda jokes that they have a freezer, but there’s nothing in it.
“I love to cook,” Cruz said. “The kitchen is my passion.”
The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Good Lion Hospitality Expanding in San Luis Obispo
Santa Barbara-based Good Lion Hospitality has filed for a permit with the City of San Luis Obispo to create a restaurant and cocktail bar at the site of the former Splash Cafe, according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune.
“We’re keeping the concept and project details pretty close to the vest as we work through the typical purchase, licensing and permitting exercises,” Brandon Ristaino, a managing member for Good Lion Hospitality, told the Tribune.
The popular Splash Cafe closed in October.
Grand Opening for Sunrise Chiropractic
Macy Chiropractic has repackaged itself as Sunrise Chiropractic.
“As proud as we were to operate under the Macy name, it’s time we unveil our new name, Sunrise Chiropractic,” Dr. Julie Soloduka said. “I’m so grateful for all of you because, of course, without you, I would not be here. I’m so happy to be able to take care of you. This is my purpose and my passion in life, and I’m just so happy to be here.”
Soloduka took over ownership one year ago from Drs. Michael and Ann Macy.
Soloduka focuses on creating a warm and compassionate healing environment free of judgment, and she has designed a space where patients can “feel calm and cared for from the moment they walk in the door,” according to a news release.
The company held a grand opening celebration on Nov. 10 at 3324 State St. in Santa Barbara.
Bubble Bash Coming to Los Alamos
Pico Los Alamos will host the “Bubble Bash,” featuring champagne and sparkling wines.
The party is planned from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Pico Garden, 458 Bell St.
The holiday wine festival showcases sparkling wine from around the world, according to a news release.
“This event is an opportunity to taste sparkling wines to complement your holiday gatherings,” a news release stated. “Pico will also be featuring a raw bar during the tasting event, including oysters, caviar and uni from Sea Stephanie Fish and other local seafood purveyors.”
Restorative Vet Wins National Grant
The Restorative Vet, a solo practitioner veterinary service that offers acupuncture, electroacupuncture, manual massage and cold laser therapies, has won a $4,000 grant from the National Association for the Self-Employed.
“Orcutt small business The Restorative Vet was chosen for this Growth Grant award because it demonstrated a well-defined plan for growth ranging from executing new marketing initiatives, purchasing new equipment, and other creative ways to grow and expand,” John Hearrell, NASE’s vice president of membership and affiliate programs, said in a news release.
The Orcutt-based business is owned by Dr. Erin Belleville.
The grants provide capital for small businesses and sole proprietors to be able to hire and train additional employees, market their business in new and existing ways, or invest in new equipment or software, the news release stated.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis throughout the year.