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Blaze Pizza left Isla Vista last year, but there’s good news, especially for those who enjoy healthy eating.
Hummus Republic plans to open at 6546 Pardall Road in late May. A hiring manager told Noozhawk on Thursday that the company is waiting on final permits from the county.
The restaurant bills itself as “Healthy Food for Happy People.”
“It’s time to create accessibility to healthy, real, delicious meals and raise the standard of fast food,” the company says.
The menu features Mediterranean food, including pitas, wraps, bowls and a variety of vegan, vegetarian and chicken options. Meals include a base made of kale, couscous, spinach, garbanzo beans or salad, combined with a flavor of hummus and a protein. There’s also a vegan earth burger made of a falafel. Desserts include a variety of cookies, brownies and marshmallow treats.
“Organic, eco-friendly, DELICIOUS foods and drinks; Hummus Republic is bringing Isla Vista’s vegans, vegetarians and carnivores a whole new take on food,” the company’s Instagram says.
The place is also hiring in anticipation of the big opening.
Hummus Republic was established in 2013 by a group of friends who “wanted to bring their families authentic Mediterranean cuisine to busy customers on the go,” and the food comes from local sources.
“Hummus Republic is committed to transparency. Customers deserve to know where their food comes from and what goes into it,” the website states. “We choose farms over factories and organic wherever possible to not only make healthy food more accessible, but to protect the health of the planet. We use compostable takeout containers, cups and cutlery.”
The company’s nearest location is in Los Angeles.
Local Opens in Montecito
Coast Village Road has more than just vexing traffic. There’s a new restaurant in town.
Local opened on Tuesday at 1187 Coast Village Road.
“We are excited to announce that we will be open to the public April 26th,” an Instagram post states. “We can’t wait to share our spectacular restaurant and bar with you! LOCAL is the product of our team’s incredible passion and talent and we would love for you to join us during our opening week.”
Local’s head chef is Jonny McDermott. Among the items showcased on the company’s Instagram page are a “mouthwatering fried oyster Po’Boy. This sandwich is a New Orleans staple featuring a traditional toasted baguette and housemade pickles.”
Another dish is Jonny’s beet salad with citrus braised beets and aleppo pepper whipped ricotta topped with mint, opal basil and toasted hazelnuts.
The venue also features, drinks, cocktails and live music.
Coffee Wave Continues
Turnpike Shopping Center is the latest home to Lighthouse Coffee, which opened this week in a newly configured space once occupied by Payless Shoe Source.
The company posted “new digs” on Instagram on Wednesday.
For 25 years, Goleta Coffee Co. was the coffee destination in the Turnpike Shopping Center, but the owners left earlier this year.
At the time, owner Rebich Hespanha said that “although the shopping center management has chosen a new coffee shop to operate in the Turnpike Center, we are optimistic and excited about the future.” The shopping center owners apparently only wanted one coffee shop in the center, and they chose Lighthouse.
Lighthouse Coffee, a locally owned business, has coffee shops on the Mesa, Chapala Street and now the Turnpike Shopping Center.
Cool Off
Mangiones Italian Ice Co. is coming to Santa Barbara.
An Instagram post says the company will have a grand opening on May 16.
“It’s almost that time! Can’t wait for everyone to try all the flavors! See you guys soon,” the Instagram post states.
The shop is at 1222 State St.
— 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.
