This place is fire, no cap.

That’s the kind of stuff young people are already saying about Santa Barbara’s newest hot chicken destination, Drippin’ Chicken, even though the restaurant isn’t set to open until May.

The company offered its mouth-watering, hot chicken at Deltopia last weekend in Isla Vista, and college students who were partying on the Del Playa strip enjoyed what they ate.

“That’s (expletive) good, that’s good stuff,” one guy wrote on Instagram.

“10 out of 10,” another partier shared.

“That’s (expletive) really spicy, but that flavor, that texture is so (expletive) good,” another student said as he licked his fingers.

Drippin’ Chicken’s Nashville flavor is headed to 418 State St., behind the Shaker Mill.

The outside is already painted in stunningly bright colors — the artwork of artist Aaron Kain, who spent four days on the mural — and combines surf and graffiti art styles with a Nashville and Santa Barbara theme.

“We tried to incorporate Santa Barbara as much as we can with the hot chicken, West Coast vibe,” owner Jesse Sodhi told Noozhawk on Thursday. “We had our great friend Aaron Kain come through and just bring the vision to life.”

“You can expect great quality food, fresh ingredients, low wait times and fair prices,” Sodhi said. “We’re pretty excited to get open.”

The company gave away chicken sandwiches to create a buzz at Deltopia.

“Santa Barbara, y’all showed UP! Huge love to the SB community for the warm welcome and for letting us join in on the Deltopia vibes with our chicken sandwich giveaway,” the company posted online. “We’re counting down—just about one month until we officially open our doors in downtown SB. Stay hungry!”

Med Center Closing

Med Center, the first urgent care facility to open in Santa Barbara, is set to close April 30.

“Over the past 42 years, the Med Center has cared for thousands of patients of those needing a doctor’s care,” the building’s owner, Jerry Bailey, said. “Now, these physicians are ready to retire and will be closing their practice at the 2954 State St. building on April 30.”

Doctors William Meller and Richard Huffard opened the Med Center in 1983. Cottage Health and others now run several urgent care facilities on the South Coast.

Community Bank of Santa Maria Shows Growth

Community Bank of Santa Maria showed an 8.5% increase in net loans as of March 31 compared with the prior year.

Net loans were $259.8 million.

Total deposits were $360.8 million as of March 31. It represents a 5.1% increase from the $343.3 million reported as of March 31, 2024, according to a news release.

Total assets were $402.1 million as of March 31, representing an increase of 4.0% from the $386.6 million reported on March 31, 2024.

“We’re pleased to report continued strong loan growth this quarter, a clear sign of the trust our customers place in us and the strength of the community we serve,” said Janet Silveria, president and chief executive officer of the bank. “While earnings were slightly lower this period due to increased provisioning for credit losses, this is a proactive and prudent step to support the expansion of our loan portfolio. The bank is well-positioned for sustainable long-term growth.”

State Street Building Sells

The former Samy’s Camera building at 530 State St. in Santa Barbara has sold.

The list price was $4.17 million.

Hayes Commercial Group broker Caitlin Hensel reported the deal.

“Just steps from the Funk Zone and top destinations like Drift Hotel, Joe’s Cafe, and Hotel Santa Barbara,” she wrote. “Zoned for a wide variety of uses — retail, restaurant, office, residential and more. Features roll-up door access, high ceilings, and direct connection to city parking.”

Nordstrom Residential and Commercial Project?

Hensel also posted some information about the Nordstrom building.

“Big things are happening at 817 State St. (the former Nordstrom building), located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara,” she said. “This prominent retail opportunity is now divisible down to about 10,000 square feet and part of an exciting mixed-use redevelopment with 85 new residential units planned for the upper levels. Retail, fitness, grocery, experience-based uses — we are open to creative ideas.”

Nordstrom in downtown Santa Barbara closed in 2020, with various options pitched for the building, including commercial offices.

Hensel also recently reported that Arrediamo Summerland is coming 9111⁄2 State St.

“Look out for some fabulous furniture and rugs next door to Namaste in downtown Santa Barbara,” she said.

Dollar Store Changes

A regular BizHawk reader wrote that the Dollar Store at 424 State St. in Santa Barbara “has permanently boarded up the front entrance and is forcing people to go in through the back.”

The back entrance is off of Haley Street.

The Dollar Store replaced the 99 Cents Only store last year.