Many Businesses Stay Open For Christmas

While most national retailers, banks, and government offices are closed today, it appears more and more businesses are choosing to keep their doors open for Christmas. Summersby Jenkins, a patron at the Santa Barbara Roasting Company, says, “ten years ago, no one would be open. But now, you walk down State Street, there are plenty of businesses open and running.”Santa Barbara Roasting Company is among the handful of local businesses open Christmas day.”We stay open every single day of the year,” explains Manager, Luis Bermudez.The store has even created its own traditions.”On Christmas and Thanksgiving we put out Jamaican Blue and Kona blends,” says Bermudez.Customers, like Avalon Jenkins, are grateful. “I think it’s a great idea, the camaraderie, a place to go,”Frank Becchio adds, “I appreciate it being open on Christmas.”Several restaurants will also be open for patrons who choose to let someone else do the cooking, or for those who are spending the holiday as tourists, Like Tim DuClos and his wife Carolyn.””We’re spending three days down here, so thought we’d enjoy the zoo, the restaurants, the wharf.”After a busy morning of opening presents, kids of all ages spent the day at the zoo, including young Naomi Bowles, from Africa, who is celebrating her very first Christmas.”It’s very exciting, because its my first time in America. And, Christmas is good!”This is the first year the park is open on December 25th.”We’re trying to make this a destination for the holidays,” says Santa Barbara Zoo Employee, David Velazquez.Channel Islands Outfitters gave the gift of sport to loyal customers.”my family on the east coast, so I figured I might as well open for people who might want to go in the water,” says owner Fraser Kersey.Kayaker Kelly Smith says, “I went for a great paddle. It was fabulous! What a way to celebrate Christmas–on the ocean.”For a list of restaurants open on Christmas day, you can go to: http://www.santabarbara.com/dining