Cava Restaurant and Bar closing in Montecito

MONTECITO, Calif. - Word began spreading days go that Cava, a longtime favorite restaurant on Coast Village Road, was closing for good.

A call to the family-owned business Wednesday was confirmed with the following recorded message:

"Cava Restaurant and Bar will be closing its doors today, Wednesday, September 15 after 25 years of business on Coast Village Road. We are all committed for reservations throughout the day but we would encourage you to join us as a walk-in for either in-person dining and/or take-out. Thank you for your call and thank you so much for your support through these years. Bye."

The restaurant, which specialized in Nuevo Latino and Mediterranean cuisine, is owned by the Lopez-Hollis family, which also owns and operates the highly popular Carlitos Cafe y Cantina in Arlington Plaza on State Street, which opened in 1978.