StarCycle bringing life to La Cumbre Plaza
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Ever since its opening in 2019, StarCycle Santa Barbara has quickly exploded in popularity.
Not only is it changing people’s lives through fitness and cardiovascular exercise but it’s also brought them back to La Cumbre Plaza.
In recent years, the outdoor shopping center has lost several businesses including Pizza Mizza, Sears and Vons amongst many more.
However, there’s been a significant increase in foot traffic since the indoor cycling gym opened its doors.
“Every time we have a spin class here at StarCycle, there are forty people that come,” StarCycle member Vinny Roberti said. “It’s definitely been helpful for the economy.”
“Everybody loves it and it’s bringing everybody and anyone in town here,” StarCycle member Kate McHale-Jensen. “It’s bringing us all back to this plaza.”
Despite concerns over other businesses closing down in the mall, StarCycle’s owners remained confident their studio would succeed.
“There was definitely a need in the marketplace,” StarCycle co-owner Kayla Johnson-Neal said. “There wasn’t a stand alone spin studio in Santa Barbara.”
“We didn’t care as much that there was not traffic coming in because we felt that we would bring traffic to the mall,” StarCycle co-owner George Tharakan said. That’s what has happened and we have brought a lot of traffic into this mall since we opened.”
Of the 11 StarCycle locations nationwide, Santa Barbara’s is already the most popular.
“You have to book your bikes two weeks in advance,” StarCycle member Lauren Bragg said. “It’s gotten hugely popular, friends are always wanting to join me because it’s so fun.”
The fitness center offers a variety of 45-minute classes which include motivational music and choreography within the workouts.
“It’s really 45 minutes to be inside of your body and connect with who’s riding next to you,” Johnson-Neal said. “It’s just built something really special.”
The clients are happy and business is booming.
“The management has done a wonderful job,” Roberti concluded. “They’ve been committed and dedicated to ensuring that each rider who comes into the doors of the spin studio have a wonderful riding experience.”
On February 28th, StarCycle Santa Barbara will celebrate its one-year anniversary.
Due to its widespread popularity, owners are already discussing the possibility of opening a second location in town.
To book a class or learn more, click here.
