Then there was one.
Mesa Burger, the one-time growing empire with locations in Montecito and Santa Barbara, has closed its location in Goleta’s Camino Real Marketplace.
The original restaurant opened on the Mesa and is known for its burgers named the Funk Zone, Goodland, Downtown, Smash Burger and Mesa Burger, among others. At one time, Mesa Burger had partnered with chef Cat Cora.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the closing of our Goleta location,” a notice on the window states. “We want to sincerely thank all of our loyal customers, our amazing staff, the city of Goleta and the Marketplace for all their years of support.
“Come visit our Mesa location,” which is located at 315 Meigs Road.
It will be the third vacancy in Camino Real, including the former restaurant space next to Jane, a large warehouse-type location that once was home to Pier 1 Imports when the mall opened, and now Mesa Burger.
Jensen Guitar & Music Co. Set to Close
Jensen Guitar & Music Co., founded 52 years ago by Chris Jensen, is closing at the end of September.
The company, at 2830 De la Vina St. in Santa Barbara, is a full-service musical instrument shop that offers guitars and other stringed instruments, along with amps and many other accessories. It also does repairs and offers music lessons.
Anyone with a consignment or any repairs is urged to stop by between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Fridays this month.
“We would like to thank you for 52 years,” the company’s voicemail recording states.
Downtown Eats Opens in M. Special
M. Special Brewing on the 600 block of State Street in Santa Barbara has new restaurant — Downtown Eats.
“Make sure you come stop by and get some birria tacos and frosé,” the company said in a post.
Downtown Eats is affiliated with Santa Barbara Food Connection.
“We have officially opened our second location @mspecialbrewco downtown!!! We are so beyond excited for all the love we have gotten so far and can’t wait for everyone to come by and have a good beer and some food,” the company posted on Instagram.
World of Magic Appears
Santa Barbara’s Halloween store is back. World of Magic has opened at the former CVS at 1109 State St.
The seasonal Halloween store in recent years had set up shop at 901 State St., at the former Forever 21 building, but that real estate was recently sold.
Goleta was once home to a Spirit Halloween store, but it vanished when Planet Fitness opened.
Local Attorneys Honored
Ron Bamieh and Danielle De Smeth, partners at the law firm Bamieh & De Smeth, have made the “Super Lawyers” list for 2026, a recognition that places them among the top 5% of attorneys in the country, according to a news release.
The firm has offices in Santa Barbara and Ventura.
Bamieh founded the law firm in Ventura in 2002. He practices personal injury, criminal defense and family law, and has a background in trial work. Bamieh has tried more than 60 criminal cases and more than 10 civil cases to verdict. He graduated from Loyola University-Chicago School of Law in 1991 and has practiced law ever since.
De Smeth joined the firm in 2013 and opened the firm’s Santa Barbara office. She represents plaintiffs in civil litigation and is recognized for her fearless representation of clients in complex and emotionally charged legal matters, including cases involving child sexual abuse.
She is a graduate of UC Berkeley and Loyola Law School.