Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is coming to downtown Santa Barbara, Noozhawk has learned.
The iconic shop, with stores in San Francisco, New York, San Diego and Santa Monica, has signed a lease to open at 509 State St., the current site of Pascucci Italian Restaurant.
“Residents are going to be excited to come downtown to have an amazing, truly unique experience at Ghirardelli,” said Mitch Stark, the commercial real estate broker representing the building owner. “A wide range of residents can have parties, an ice cream social, and a special experience with a great product.”
Ghirardelli is known for its hot fudge sundaes, shakes and chocolate square candies. The company was founded by Domingo Ghirardelli in 1852.
Ghirardelli has about 20 stores nationwide. Longtime local architect Henry Lenny has been hired to work on the local design.
It is unclear when the store will open, but Pascucci will remain until May 12.
With its household name brand, Ghirardelli is likely to be a premier attraction on State Street. It would be the latest ice cream destination downtown. A little more than a year ago, Mister Softee opened on the 900 block.
Orange Theory Closing in Paseo Nuevo
Downtown Santa Barbara has lost another business.
“It is with heavy hearts we announce the closure of our Downtown Santa Barbara location,” Orange Theory announced on Instagram. “Our OTF studio is closing its doors on April 27.”
The strength, endurance and power workout “is a dynamic blend of strength and cardio training scientifically designed to give you the most efficient and energizing 1-hour total body workout.”
The owners are encouraging guests to transfer to the Goleta location, 5700 Calle Real, and get a free month.
“Thank you to everyone who made it feel like home,” the post states. “Let’s make these last workouts count and keep crushing our goals together.”
Mendocino Farms Coming in 2026
Mendocino Farms plans to take over the Panera building. BizHawk reported their pending arrival last month, and the company this week offered additional details.
“Mendocino Farms takes guests on a culinary adventure with its diverse menu of farm-fresh, chef-crafted sandwiches and salads that celebrate each season’s best flavors,” the company said in a statement. “Whether guests are grabbing a quick lunch for the office or enjoying a leisurely meal with friends, Mendocino Farms creates gathering places with exceptional hospitality and innovative creations to transform mealtime.”
The company said it is excited to plant roots in Santa Barbara. It plans to open in La Cumbre Plaza, at the site of the old Panera Grill.
“Both locals and visitors share a love for fresh, delicious, and healthy meals,” the statement said. “We’re passionate about crafting food people crave, and we can’t wait to bring our vibrant flavors and signature hospitality to the Santa Barbara community.”
Speaking of Pascucci
Laura Knight, owner of Pascucci, said the planned move to 1230-A State St. will come a bit later than expected.
“As you can imagine, moving a restaurant is quite a feat, and costly,” she said. “We’ve run into timeline delays for permits and modifications.”
Just bring the bread, whenever they open.
Paseo Nuevo Earth Day Celebration, and the Easter Bunny Coming
Santa Barbara’s downtown mall will celebrate Earth Day this Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.
The event will feature Local DJ & musician Donny Bru, community dance from the World Dance for Humanity, as well as eco-conscious vendors.
The event is called the “First Annual Paseo for the Planet.”
On Sunday, between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., Paseo Nuevo will also be the site of an Easter celebration, with music, live performances, dancing and an appearance from a “real life bunny rabbit.”
The event will also feature face-painting and photographs with the Easter Bunny.
Both events are free. Click here for more information.