Pascucci, the popular downtown Santa Barbara restaurant, is closing after 31 years.

The restaurant will close its doors in March, owner Laura Knight said in a statement Tuesday.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we announce that Pascucci Restaurant, a local favorite for 31 years, will close its doors mid-March,” she said. “After five years at our current location of 509 State Street, we are losing our lease.”

Knight said it has been an honor to serve the community.

The restaurant started out in a tiny spot with seven tables in Paseo Nuevo, where they stayed four and a half years. Then Knight moved to a bigger location within Paseo Nuevo, where the restaurant stayed for 21 years.

She said in the much larger space they were able to add several more tables and a full bar. When that lease expired five years ago, they moved to the current location at 509 State Street.

“Through all of these changes, we’ve consistently served good food, at a fair price, in a warm and friendly environment,” Knight said. “Everything we make is fresh, homemade, and locally sourced, from Shalhoob Meat Company, to Kanaloa Seafoods, Santa Barbara Roasting Company, Jordano’s, and others. We are and have always been a local small business supporting other local small businesses.”

Knight continued:

“We’ve had customers tell us that they came to us on a first date, then they brought their kids in, who are now adults and bringing their own kids in,” Knight said. “We’ve hosted countless celebrations, team dinners, girls night out, family gatherings, and meals shared by good friends. We will miss all of it, and you.”

Pascucci was a sponsor of the Summer Solstice parade and celebration, and Knight said after 23 years of hosting the annual dine-out for Solstice fundraiser, she will miss the event.

“I know our community will too,” she said.

Knight urged people to come in over the next few weeks and enjoy a final meal.

“Our staff, some of whom have been with us for 20-plus years, looks forward to continuing to serve you through mid-March,” she said.

She said she is still working on the exact date with the new landlord.

Knight has been active in efforts to advocate for restaurants and the vibrancy of downtown. She is well-liked in business circles and is one of the longest-serving restaurant owners downtown.