A dark and major design transformation is proposed for Whiskey ‘N Rye Smokehouse’s new location in the Goleta Camino Real Marketplace.
The Goleta Design Review Board supported the proposed design for the new restaurant on Tuesday and requested that the restaurant design team return in November to review some elements.
The design proposes a very different look from the current light-colored, vacant building at 6920 Marketplace Drive, formerly home to Vicenta’s Mexican Restaurant and next to Jane.
Design renderings show a dark-colored facade with different materials than the current building as well as a fireplace near the patio area to “draw an evening crowd,” according to the project team.
“I think it’s absolutely killer. I think it’s a brilliant concept,” board member Scott Branch said.
The proposed transformation is “very intentional” for a spot that has “historically been a challenging location.” It also follows the theme of Whiskey ‘N Rye’s Solvang location, according to Don Conner, the smokehouse’s CEO and founder.
“We are hoping they will do well, be able to drive in that corner; it’s kind of tough, packed behind McDonald’s,” said Paul Poirier of Paul Poirier + Associates Architects.
Whiskey ‘N Rye Smokehouse plans to open at the Camino Real Marketplace next spring, according to the restaurant team, which would end the roughly eight-year vacancy streak for that location.
“We are going to be making a pretty substantial investment to bring the space back to life and establish a great community restaurant for Goleta,” Conner said.
Some of the board members said they were hesitant at first about the proposed dark design.
“Having worked in steakhouses, you want them to be dark and smoky places, and I think you have achieved that,” board member Dennis Whelan said.
Board member Martha Degasis said “she was not convinced” about the black-colored brick when she saw the rendering, but changed her mind Tuesday after seeing material samples.
However, she also encouraged the project team to find a “less flat” black shade and pivot to a dark chocolate color.
“The black concept in architecture has been a little bit overdone at this point,” she said.
Board member Tamesha Schumacher recommended adding “more bling” to the design, including highlighting the building’s chimney to “add to the smokehouse vibe” and adding copper elements.
The Goleta location for the business follows the opening of Que – West Coast BBQ, a branch of Whiskey ‘N Rye Smokehouse, which opened in the Santa Barbara Public Market last year.
The Camino Real Marketplace spot will be the second full-service restaurant and will offer full-service hospitality, an expanded menu, a full bar with a dedicated whiskey program and an “immersive” dining experience, according to Conner.
“We are committed to Goleta for the long haul,” Conner said.
