BizHawk is published weekly, and includes items of interest to the business community. Share your business news, including employee announcements and personnel moves, by emailing news@noozhawk.com.
The Good Land is all abuzz over its newest watering hole.
The Centennial Beer Hall opened this week at the site of the old Mercury Lounge in Old Town Goleta, 5871 Hollister Ave. Before the Mercury Lounge, a previous generation of Goleta residents knew it as Gus’s Cocktails.
“Come out and see us and the brand-new bar Wednesday-Sundays!” the business posted on Instagram. “This dream would have never become a reality without the love & support of everyone involved and we cannot wait to share this space with all of you :).”
The beer hall will be open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, from noon to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays.
“Centennial Beer Hall was born from a passion for unique and special beers with a focus on independent American craft breweries and artisan producers,” according to its website. “Named for the hops that started a revolution in the brewing industry, Centennial Beer Hall aims to bring our community together through our shared love of beer, camaraderie and exceptional service.”
Owner Ron Batdorf said the spot is a nice, comfortable place to enjoy a beer.
“People are really excited about the space,” he said.
He said the name comes from the Centennial Hop beer that was popular in the early days of craft brewing.
Batdorf said he eventually wants to add live music, food trucks and some pop-ups.
Montecito Bank & Trust Names VP
Montecito Bank & Trust has hired Michele Shipp as vice president and senior trust officer.
“She has extensive experience working with clients to help them successfully navigate estate planning, manage trusts as the agent or trustee, and dedicating time to clients and their families to fulfill the intentions of owners of trusts,” said Jeff Pittman, executive vice president and director of wealth management. “Michele will be a valued resource to MB&T’s wealth management clients and internal partners.”
Montecito Bank & Trust is increasing the number of team members in the Wealth Management Division to support “the multiyear, double-digit growth the bank has experienced in the wealth management business.”
Shipp, according to a news release, brings more than 16 years of experience in philanthropic fiduciary work, tax and estate planning, and investment advisory services with a strong background in legal services related to a variety of areas of the banking industry.
She is a certified trust and fiduciary advisor (CTFA) and is a member of the California Bankers Association, the California Society of CPAs, the California and Santa Barbara County bar associations, the Santa Barbara Estate Planning Council and the Santa Barbara Council of Charitable Gift Planners.
She earned her juris doctorate from the Santa Clara University School of Law, a personal financial planning certificate from UCSB, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and music history from the University of San Diego.
Solvang’s Hadsten House to Close for Renovations
Hadsten House, the Solvang-area hotel owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, will close on Sept. 1 for significant renovations, with an approximate reopening date slated for spring of 2022.
The 71-room hotel at 1450 Mission Drive in Solvang was built in 1972 and bought by the tribe in 2012, adding the property to a hospitality portfolio that includes the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez and Hotel Corque in Solvang.
“This will be a complete room and property remodel aimed at positioning Hadsten House as a highly favorable option in the competitive Solvang hotel market,” John Elliott, CEO of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, said in a news release. “The renovation will include the removal of the property’s indoor swimming pool, which will allow space for an outdoor courtyard area that will surely become a popular gathering spot for both guests and the local community.”
Hadsten House’s employees were made aware of the pending closure in June and provided with opportunities to transfer to similar positions at the Chumash Casino Resort Hotel and Hotel Corque. As the largest employer in the Santa Ynez Valley, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians employs nearly 1,500 residents of Santa Barbara County.
Cannabis Testing Lab Hires Sales Director
Merso Labs has announced the hiring of Ryan O’Connell as the new director of sales and business development.
Merso Labs is the only licensed cannabis testing lab in Santa Barbara County.
“Ryan is a client-focused strategist,” company CEO Kaleb Asfaha said. “He understands how to integrate the inner workings of our lab process and analysis with the client experience, partnering with clients to seamlessly navigate the complexities of this industry.
“We are thrilled to have him join our team. The growth we have already experienced will only be heightened by his leadership and will help cement Merso Labs’ position as an efficient, reliable and timely licensed cannabis testing lab.”
O’Connell previously worked at The Niva Labs, a cannabinoid potency testing facility in Los Angeles, where he served as the director of sales.
According to a news release, his established industry relationships and experience will help amplify Merso Labs’ position in the market.
Merso Labs is in Lompoc. It is licensed by the Bureau of Cannabis Control for medical and recreational quality control analysis and the California Department of Public Health for diagnostics testing.
— Noozhawk staff writer Joshua Molina can be reached at jmolina@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
