LJ Shalhoob has been cutting meat since he was 9 years old.
His days started at 5 a.m., and every spring break and summer vacation he found himself in the kitchen. After he graduated from high school, his friends told him to go to college so he could learn the business side, and eventually help elevate the business.
“I said, ‘This is my college,'” Shalhoob remembered. “The meat company is my college. I don’t know how I am going to evolve it, but, someway, I am going to progress it.”
That he has done.
Shalhoob, now 36, just opened Shalhoob’s at 5112 Hollister Ave. in the Magnolia Shopping Center in Goleta. It’s the latest creation and evolution of a restaurant that started with his grandfather, the original John “Jerry” Shalhoob.
He started the company in 1973, as a meat provider servicing restaurants. Eventually, his son, also John Shalhoob, purchased the butcher shop. Now, LJ, which stands for “Little John,” manages the Magnolia restaurant along with the original restaurant in the Funk Zone.
The restaurant opened at the site of the former Woody’s Barbecue. Shalhoob redesigned the entire place and installed roll-up aluminum doors, providing the feel of an outdoor courtyard.
“The neighborhood has welcomed us with open arms,” Shalhoob said. “I am excited about this spot and this little neighborhood.”
The restaurant has a liquor license coming on Friday, he said, and they well sell beer, wine and liquor.
The menu features all of the classics from the Funk Zone, including tri-tip, a tri-tip sandwich, Shalhoob nachos and BBQ ribs.
“The evolution has naturally happened,” Shalhoob said. “It’s based on good, hard, blue-collar work. Show up every day. Get the job done. Do whatever is needed.”
Shalhoob can be found running the kitchen and the restaurant like he did as a Santa Barbara High School point guard. At 6 foot 3, he earned the name “Shooby,” which is part of the next wave of expansion.
For more than a year, Shalhoob opened in the Santa Barbara Public Market to test its Shooby burger. The Single Shooby has a double patty with American cheese, caramelized onions, a special sauce and a sesame bun. The Double Shooby is the same, but with a triple patty. He eventually wants to open Shooby Burger spots around Goleta.
“We really just try to put out high-quality product,” Shalhoob said. “Every item on the menu, there’s a lot of thought put into it.”
Shalhoob said he didn’t realize how many people he knew who lived in the area. They have been coming in and welcoming him to the neighborhood.
He said he sees a long-term future for Shalhoob’s. He has a son, John Shalhoob IV.
“As soon as his butt gets 8, 9 years old, he’ll be out here running plates and bussing tables for folks,” Shalhoob said. “We’ll keep it in the family. We figure we are going to be here for a long time.”
Dart Coffee Hits the Maritime Museum
Dart Coffee Co. has opened inside the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.
The venue will offer cold specialty coffees, drip coffee and pastries.
“In addition to great coffee, Dart creates an atmosphere of belonging and space for people to gather,” Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Executive Director Greg Gorga said. “The harbor is such a vibrant place enriched even more by the families, friends and professionals visiting and working here every day.”
Dart Coffee Co. owners Erika Carter, Dr. David Dart and Carter Hallman said in a news release that they are thrilled to join the harbor community.
“It is said that coffee fosters a sense of community,” museum board president Chuck Wilson said. “We look forward to the synergy and family-friendly environment that Dart Coffee will bring to our picturesque museum and harbor.”
Dart Coffee’s museum coffee bar is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New Venture Downtown
Venture Apparel has opened at 428 State St. in Santa Barbara.
The store had a grand opening on March 23.
In an Instagram post, the company said, “This road has been long and there’s still a long way to go, but we feel so welcomed by the beautiful Santa Barbara community and can’t wait to see all the great things we will be able to accomplish here!”
The company sells men’s and women’s adventure clothing.
Nick the Greek Opening Soon
Nick the Greek, known for its “mouthwatering pitas, traditional plates, fresh salads and sides, and delicious desserts,” is set to open April 23 at 508 State St. in Santa Barbara.
“The restaurant will offer free lunch for all patrons from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.,” according to a news release.
The restaurant is also in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Kansas, Texas and Missouri.
Nick the Greek was founded in 2014 in Northern California by three cousins.