If there’s a face of persistence in Santa Barbara’s restaurant community, it’s undoubtedly Laura Knight.
The resilient restaurateur has revived the beloved Pascucci once again, breathing new life into the Italian eatery, this time at 1230-A State St. in Santa Barbara.
It’s gone uptown.
“Pascucci is excited to be in our new location, just a few doors up from the Granada Theater near Victoria Street,” Knight told Noozhawk.
The restaurant was most recently located at 509 State St., but moved after the building was sold.
Knight turned to Ray Mahboob, a downtown property owner, who had a space available on the 1200 block. It’s a different vibe from the 500 block, where there’s a plethora of restaurants and bars that attract a younger crowd.
Now, Knight is near the Granada and the Arlington theaters, and on a block with one lane of traffic open, and she’s experiencing a restaurant rebirth with a new style of clientele.
Pascucci has been around for 32 years. It originally started on the 800 block of State Street, then moved to the 700 block. Three weeks before COVID started in 2020, she moved the restaurant to the 500 block.
Knight grew up in Santa Barbara, and her first job in high school was working in Piccadilly Square, the site of the current Paseo Nuevo. She’s well-liked in the restaurant circle and has volunteered in various roles to promote the downtown for decades.
“It’s exciting to be up in the Arts District, now nestled between the Granada and Arlington theaters — a vibrant area of downtown,” Knight said.
It’s been an ordeal the past few years for restaurants. The COVID-19 pandemic forced restaurant dining outdoors, and the city closed several blocks of State Street to vehicles. What was supposed to be a utopia for outdoor dining, with pedestrians frolicking in the street, has turned into an avalanche of e-bikes cruising along State, with most pedestrians back on the sidewalks.
State Street’s commercial vibrancy varies on the block, and much of the restaurants and retailers have struggled with a decline in people going downtown.
“When COVID first hit, everyone loved being able to walk up and down the middle of the street for a pedestrian promenade, and it’s been proven that everyone loves the outdoor dining,” Knight said. “But five years ago, e-bikes were not even around, and now they are causing issues.”
Knight said it will be interesting to see how the city deals with dynamics in downtown, including efforts to build housing.
The new restaurant held a soft opening last weekend. The inside has that unmistakable Pascucci feel, with a red-brick wall, the aroma of spaghetti carbonara, and the garlic bread served to every table.
Knight is still working on parts of the inside, including the bar.
The sign on the outside isn’t up, but you’ll find it. Just follow your nose.
Jonesy’s Fried Chicken Coming to Santa Barbara
Goleta’s Jonesy’s Fried Chicken is expanding into Santa Barbara, at a spot popular among locals.
The restaurant will open at the former Derf’s site, at the corner of De la Vina and Mission streets. With the time it takes for renovation and permitting, the company doesn’t expect to open until 2026.
“Honestly, growing up in Santa Barbara as a local, Derf’s was a historic landmark,” owner Kyle Jones said. “Santa Barbara has been home to many big names and ideas, and we want to make JFC a Santa Barbara staple. What better place than Derf’s to do that.”
The restaurant will be seven days a week with the potential for expanded hours on weekends.
Drippin’ Chicken Holding Grand Opening
Drippin’ Chicken’s Nashville flavor is headed to 418 State St. in Santa Barbara, behind the Shaker Mill, and is hosting a grand opening starting at noon Friday.
“We’re turning up the heat at our official Grand Opening!” the company posted on Instagram. “Pull up for a live DJ, a car collective, and vibes all day. First 100 guests get access to exclusive deals — don’t miss out!
The outside is 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.
Dom’s Taverna Opening in June
Dom’s Taverna plans to open in June at 30 E. Victoria St. in Santa Barbara.
“Chef Dom Crisp is bringing bold Basque flavors, fresh local seafood, and Santa Barbara soul to the heart of the historic downtown Santa Barbara,” the company stated on its website.
The company is hiring for several positions, including, cooks, dishwashers, servers, bartenders and other positions.
The site is the former home of Trattoria Vittoria.
Sales Tax Revenues Lag
According to the City of Santa Barbara, total sales tax revenues are about 5.3% below budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The projected budget for the year is $31.2 million.
The city received $6.8 million in sales tax revenue during the quarter ended March 31, which is the third quarter of the city’s fiscal year.
The city’s transient occupancy taxes are 1% above budget. The city has collected $28.5 million in overall TOT for the fiscal year. About $25.1 million came from hotels and $3.4 million from short-term rentals.
The city collected $2.8 million in TOT taxes for April, the 10th month in its fiscal year.
The Smashburger Cometh
The Win-Dow plans to open next Thursday at 701 Chapala St. in Santa Barbara.
The company promises smash burgers “with high-quality ingredients and an approachable price point.”
That means $4.35 for a cheeseburger.
The restaurant offers flat-top grilled burgers, a fried chicken sandwich, an $8 grain bowl, and a shaved kale salad. The Santa Barbara location also will serve breakfast, offering steak and egg breakfast burritos, grilled bologna breakfast sandwiches, and cheeseburgers with an egg on top, according to a news release.
Check out BizHawk next week for a full report on the opening.
