Carlitos along with other local restaurants welcome outdoor diners following Governor’s orders

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- When Governor Gavin Newsom closed indoor dining activities in Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and other counties due to rising COVID-19 numbers, some restaurants were ready.

Carlitos Cafe and Cantina across from The Arlington Theatre has always been known for its patio overlooking State Street.

Since the pandemic began, Carlitos has added tables in the Arlington Plaza parking lot and in a parking lot on State Street.

There are now more than two dozen outdoor tables.

Manager Ramsses Noeggerath learned the governor's order was effective on Wednesday morning.

By the time he got to work, the patio was already busy.

"People I think are really taking it in a good way because, you know, our patio is one of the best in Santa Barbara."

The owner of the restaurants said by phone that she hopes the city of Santa Barbara will keep their block of State Street open like a promenade. She had heard the City planned to open a lane of traffic next week. She hopes the Governor's order will change that.

Richard Yates, the co-owner of Opal across the street agrees. He credits neighboring businesses for sharing space so Opal could put more tables and chairs outdoors.

"We feel fortunate that we have so much outside seating so I think that we are going to be able to get through this time, but it is going to be tough for some restaurants that didn't have that option. " said Yates.

The order applies to restaurants in Ventura County, too.

The new owner of The Shores Bar and Restaurant in Oxnard Shores just stocked up on supplies for the Fourth of July Weekend.

Bill Kracht said, " I am a little upset by the way the governor handled the closing of small businesses, especially bars and restaurants. I had to go ahead and stock up early this week in order to make sure I had enough product to make sure I had enough to cover the crowds we normally get over a holiday weekend. I am a small guy, not a big guy, so I have to stock up early. Now, basically on the eleventh hour, we are being told we have to shut down or severely limit our ability to serve food. It severely impacts me and the food I am going to lose and the beer and the things that are not going to sell now because I had to close my other bar. It is going to cost me a lot of money. I just wish that somebody would think about the small businesses before they do something like this."

Bars including the Press Room and Old Kings Road were also told they could not get permits to sell food. Some of them just spent thousands of dollars on wood to build parklets and on outdoor tables and chairs to serve food and drinks outdoors.

Now they will sit empty until COVID-19 numbers are stable again and the state reopens businesses.

The closure of indoor eating areas is scheduled to last at least 3 weeks.

Restaurant workers and owners are hoping people will stop by for an outside bite when they can.

They are asking everyone to wear masks and stick to the seating that is spaced out to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.