Many local restaurants are excited to re-open after months of being closed or only offering take-out due to the pandemic. Because those businesses will need the community‘s support to get back on their feet, Santa Barbara Foodies, a local Facebook group, is helping to promote takeout options and newly reopened businesses.

Members of Santa Barbara Foodies have come out in support of their favorite local restaurants by sharing takeout menus, favorite dishes, daily specials, and updated operating hours with each other to help drive new business.

“Many local mom and pop businesses have struggled to stay open during the pandemic and our Santa Barbara restaurant industry was hit particularly hard,” said Jon Gilkeson, founder of Santa Barbara Foodie. “As businesses begin to reopen, we’ve turned the focus of our group to supporting these restaurants by helping them drive business.

“We want to show them that our network of foodies stands behind them during the hard times and the good.”

Following are some local restaurants and businesses that have been featured by Santa Barbara Foodies members:

» Hook and Press Donuts donut shop, which restarted dine-in service May 28, continues to offer take-out and delivery options to customers. Hook and Press will be featuring a Vanilla Rainbow Pride donut with a portion of the sales going to Pacific Pride Foundation. The shop offers Santa Barbara Foodies members a discount for their support.
» Arigato Sush, which re-opened June 2, is open for outside dining, with reservations recommended. The restaurant will continue to offer take-out.
» Kyle’s Kitchen, a local burger spot, re-opened May 29 and is open for dine-in service in compliance with state and local regulations. Kyle’s Kitchen continues to offer curbside pick-up and delivery options.