The Ellwood is ready to start a new chapter and become more a part of everyday Goleta life.

A year and a half after opening, The Ellwood restaurant at Goleta Beach is looking to make some big changes and become more of a regular place people can go to, with the goal to be the “living room” of Goleta Beach. 

“We tried the fine dining, and we lived and we learned,” said Colin Jordan, restaurant partner and director of business development.

“Goleta is a place that is very special, and it takes being in the community and part of the community, and listening to them and creating something that they will want to be involved in, and feel welcomed in, and that’s really what the main driver is here.”

The change includes new menu items, including local favorites such as fish tacos, a tuna melt, a Goleta Burger, a fried shrimp basket and baked feta dip.

There’s also a new frozen margarita named the Goletarita.

The Ellwood still will have the high-end seafood and pasta dishes that guests have come to expect.

“People can either come enjoy a nice birthday dinner, come enjoy an anniversary dinner or whatever they’re celebrating, or be celebrating nothing at all,” Jordan said. “They can just come to have some fish tacos and a beer. They can come watch football on Thursday night and have a margarita.”

The change comes after Jordan started working with the restaurant a few weeks ago and heard from community members that they wanted more of an everyday beach restaurant, and not something only reserved for special occasions.

“It was a nice place for birthdays or dinners or special occasions, but that’s not what we wanted,” Jordan said. “Goleta Beach is such a beautiful and amazing space to be. We want people to come enjoy it two, three, four times a week.”

Click here to check out the full menu.

The restaurant is also getting into hosting events at the new oceanfront venue, The Break. Nashville singer-songwriters are set to perform at the venue on Oct. 3.

Eddie’s Grill Prepares to Open in Old Town Goleta

A family-owned and -run diner chain is setting up shop in Goleta in the coming weeks.

Eddie’s Grill, a Lompoc-based diner, is set to open soon, offering a new breakfast and burger spot in Old Town Goleta, in the former Goodland BBQ spot at 5725 Hollister Ave.

“Right here in Old Town Goleta, I think people need a little place with a nice breakfast and stuff like that, because it’s kind of a busy street right here, and I don’t see very much action during the breakfast time,” owner Eduardo Villa said. “So I am sure that people will appreciate having somewhere to have breakfast.”

The menu includes classic American diner food such as pancakes, country fried steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, omelets and waffles. The lunch menu includes burgers, salads, sandwiches and wraps, and there’s fish and steak for dinner. 

Eddie’s Grill will be run by Villa, his brother, Alfredo, and his son, Diego.

Eddie’s Grill was started by the Villa family in Lompoc in 2014, and there are now locations in San Luis Obispo, Buelleton and Ventura.

However, the Goleta location will offer a different experience from the other restaurants. 

While typically customers have to order at the counter, the Goleta location will offer a full-service experience, meaning customers can order at their table and get the food brought to them.

“It’s an inconvenience when people have to go and ask for coffee,” Villa said. “When you are right here at the restaurant, you want to enjoy the situation and to get up and ask for coffee, or water, or napkins. It’s a little annoying. That’s why we decided to try a full service.”

The owners are still waiting for the City of Goleta to approve final permits, but they hope to open in the coming weeks. 

Goodwin & Thyne Owners Go Separate Ways

After 22 years in real estate, Goodwin & Thyne Properties in Santa Barbara is closing business and the owners, Kevin Goodwin and John Thyne, will be exploring separate ventures. 

“We founded the company with a commitment to our clients, our agents and our community,” Goodwin and Thyne said in a joint statement. “We have had the privilege of representing countless clients throughout Santa Barbara, working alongside exceptional agents and staff, and building relationships that extend well beyond the business itself. That commitment will continue as we both move forward.”

Goodwin is opening his own real estate brokerage as Goodwin Properties, and Thyne will move forward as Thyne Real Estate Group, either as his own brokerage or under another local firm. 

“As we make this transition, our commitment to our clients and agents remains unchanged,” the statement read. “We will work together to ensure that this transition is handled with the same care and professionalism you have come to expect from us.”

Margaret O’Leary Clothing Opens in Montecito

Margaret O’Leary, a high-end clothing store, celebrated its grand opening in Montecito on Thursday. 

The new store is at 1235 Coast Village Road, Suite C. 

Founded in San Francisco in 1990 by O’Leary, the brand offers knitwear, cashmere and numerous other high-end clothing items. 

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tap Thai Taps Out

Tap Thai Cuisine in Goleta at 7060 Hollister Ave. is closing this week, and will serve its last meals served on Friday, according to an email sent out to customers this week.

The restaurant will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday.

The team still has its Solvang location, KANOK Thai Cuisine at 435 Alisal Road.