Open since 1958, the Farmer Boy Restaurant Closes in Santa Barbara

The Farmer Boy restaurant in Santa Barbara, a throwback to a dining era that’s slowly fading out, is now closed.

The owner Ralph Karleskint has sold it to the Bennett family, the owners of Brophy Brothers at the waterfront. The Bennetts have also recently purchased Maggies (formerly State and A), and Arch Rock Fish, two other Santa Barbara restaurants.

Plans for the Farmer Boy (at 3427 State St.) include a refurbishing and a plan for outside seating, to go with an expanded menu that will have dinner offerings. Currently the restaurant only served breakfast and lunch.

Karleskint says he will keep his catering business, and that was not part of the restaurant deal.

Customers who have been coming in for years, ate their final omelettes today along with cinnamon rolls that were considered by many the largest in town for a local restaurant.

The Farmer Boy opened in 1958. It had the classic counter service seats along with well worn booths and tables that could easily handle large families.

A trio of local customers, two women in their 80’s and one in her 90’s, said they had been coming for years. They carefully reviewed the menu one more time this morning before making their final order.

On weekends it was very common to see a line out the door.