Ghirardelli Chocolate Co., seen here behind the boarded walls at its State Street site in Santa Barbara, is under construction and is expected to open by the end of the year.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Co., seen here behind the boarded walls at its State Street site in Santa Barbara, is under construction and is expected to open by the end of the year. Credit: Joshua Molina / Noozhawk photo

Here’s the scoop on Ghirardelli Chocolate Co.: All is good.

About a month after the shop was greeted with a “stop work” order at 509 State St. in Santa Barbara, the company says it is ready to roll.

“We’re on track to open toward the end of the year, and looking forward to being a part of the Santa Barbara community,” the company said in a statement to Noozhawk on Thursday.

A red tag hung on the front of the boarded-up spot up until Thursday morning.

According to the notice that was placed on the front of the building on July 25, the company needed to stop “demolition, electrical and plumbing,”

“No work shall continue until permits are issued,” the notice stated.

Building & Fire inspector Edgar Rojo signed the order.

Ghirardelli, however, said it has permits.

The iconic shop, with stores in San Francisco, New York, San Diego and Santa Monica, signed the lease at 509 State St. in April.

Ghirardelli is known for its hot fudge sundaes, shakes and chocolate square candies. The company was founded by Domingo Ghirardelli in 1852.

The Ellwood Ownership Change

The Ellwood in Goleta is transferring some ownership of the restaurant.
The Ellwood in Goleta is seeking to transfer some ownership of the restaurant. Credit: Joshua Molina / Noozhawk photo

The Ellwood’s restaurant at Goleta Beach Park has filed for a change in stock ownership, according to a notice from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

A notice on the outside of the restaurant states that the applicant is Central Coast Hospitality, doing business as “The Ellwood at Goleta Beach.”

The notice was posted on Aug. 8 and must display for 30 days.

An ABC representative in the Ventura office said it requires its licensees to notify the public if there is a transfer of more than 50% in stock.

A closeup of the ownership transfer on the wall of The Ellwood in Goleta.
A closeup of the ownership transfer on the wall of The Ellwood in Goleta. Credit: Joshua Molina / Noozhawk photo

Claire’s in Paseo Nuevo Resurrected

That was a close one.

Claire’s in Santa Barbara’s Paseo Nuevo — the home of earrings and eyelashes, bracelets and body mist, stuffed animals and toy slime — will remain in the mall.

The company had posted multiple “closing” and “sale” signs in the window, with the location on the initial list for closure, but then decided not to close after all.

Pascucci Celebrates 32nd Anniversary

Laura Knight, owner of Pascucci at 1230-A State St. in Santa Barbara, is offering 32% off its top 32 selling menu items Sept. 2-22.

The Italian restaurant moved earlier this year from the 500 block of State Street.

Pascucci has been open on State Street in multiple locations for more than three decades.

Julia Tipolt State Farm to Celebrate Grand Opening in Lompoc

The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce plans to hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Julia Tipolt State Farm Insurance Agency’s new Lompoc office at 3865 Constellation Road, Suite B.

The event is planned from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 17. The ribbon-cutting is set to take place at 4 p.m. Festivities include an open house, light food, and a bounce house for the kids.

Tipolt, a State Farm agent with more than 36 years of licensed experience and 16 years as an agent, is expanding her services to Lompoc after serving the Santa Ynez Valley and beyond through her Solvang office, according to a news release.

“Julia and her dedicated team are committed to helping individuals, families and small businesses in California, Oregon and Arizona with comprehensive insurance solutions that include auto, homeowners, renters, life, health, business and even pet insurance,” according to the news release.

The agency prides itself on offering a Personal Price Plan tailored to each customer, backed by Tipolt’s team of eight experienced professionals, according to the news release.

— Noozhawk South County editor Joshua Molina can be reached at jmolina@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.