Santa Barbara’s Public market comes back from the pandemic months with new owners and a fresh outlook

SANTA BARBARA. Calif. -   Sitting on the edge of the spotlight that hits the downtown promenade, the Santa Barbara Public Market looks to give off its own glow going forward with new owners.

Thursday marks the eight year anniversary for the market.

There will be specials for $8 and a happy hour party atmosphere to celebrate.

The market is on the corner of Victoria St. at Chapala St. near the landmark Arlington Theatre.

There are ten businesses under the roof and at least two more spots available. 

One of the new owners is the long time family run Shalhoob meat company with a Shooby burger  and fresh fries concept .

It's called Shalhoobs @the Market and owner J.T. Shalhoob says they've worked on the burger for months starting with fresh meat they grind on the spot. "Just a few ingredients, but we must have tested those ingredients 300 times each!"   

One of the concepts at the Public Market whether you come alone several times or with a big group, everyone can find something they like, each time they come.

At Matty's Hot Chicken owner Adam Abrams said, there's a strong synergy going forward. "I mean Corizon is amazing. Empty bowls is amazing.  Wabi Sabi is amazing, the new guys at Shalhoobs are killing it with their burgers, Fala bar is good. It's nice to be able to have a little bit of everything."

Matty's was formerly a Goleta pop-up. Now it has the back corner of the market.

The heat range on the chicken is, for some guests, something they have to gradually work up to.

One customer says she comes often, she likes the vibe  and has many favorites.

Linda Wenger said, "I really like the diverseness  so you really find a lot of different  meals and it's like  a really nice open space ."

In a shared space, Shalhoob says, "from the management,  ownership,  all the way  to the people busing tables everyone kind of just works together."

A Santa Barbara wine  bar along with beer and big screen TV's are in the front of the building.

"Wine - food.   We're doing the wine and food pairing thing here but. All these business fit in in their own way, " said, Jamie Savellano from Valley to the Sea wine.

At the anniversary party acclaimed solo guitarist Chris Fossek performed at the entrance to welcome customers.

Also inside you will find Rori’s Artisanal Creamery, Ca'Dario Pizzeria Veloce, Corazón Cocina, and Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar.

Earlier this year, the location with multiple businesses inside sold for $7.6 million as part of a $10 million overall purchase that included nearby buildings.

The market opened in 2014 and replaced a Vons supermarket.

The new owners are Alistair and Ann Winn, and Travis and Amanda Twinning. They live locally and have strong business and charitable connections.