Downtown Santa Barbara participates in new campaign to boost local businesses

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – In less than a year, nearly a dozen eateries have shutdown in downtown Santa Barbara.

"I was in the restaurant business for 38 years across the street paradise cafe. It’s a tough business," said mayor Randy Rowse of Santa Barbara.

Rowse admits times are tough for business owners in the area.

"It’s a little tougher every year from laws to Labor situations and what not and now they’re they’re really facing a lot of up hill challenges," said Rowse.

According to a report from Radius Commercial Real Estate, there were 37 available retail storefronts on State Street as of March of this year.

"We’re excited because there’s been quite a number of new businesses that have opened over the past couple of months … and even though we’ve had a few close … there’s usually about three behind the scenes that are about to open," said executive director Robin Elander of Downtown Santa Barbara.

Downtown Santa Barbara wants to flip the script.

The organization is partnering with the South Coast Chamber of Commerce to launch a new campaign called "So much to love in Santa Barbara."

"It is a really special campaign to be able to highlight the diverse people in the organization that makes our community special," said Elander.

The campaign is designed to spotlight the unique offerings the Santa Barbara community has to offer.

Lieu Dit and Tyler Winery just opened in the downtown area.

The owners are thrilled to participate in the new campaign.

“We’re very excited to be part of it and really work with all the other businesses in the area and the community. Hope to bring more people to Santa Barbara but also have a place for locals as well," said director of hospitality Gabriel Fabela of Lieu Dit and Tyler Winery.

In addition to this new wine business located in the El Centro building, it’s also right next to the Lobero Theater.

“It was a big, deciding factor about choosing the place with our relationship with the Lobero … hopefully becoming a place that people can stop in," said Fabela.

"More than any promotional campaign you could imagine, having a full storefront with a successful business ... is absolutely the best medicine," said Rowse.

The campaign is inviting community leaders and residents to share their experiences.

For more information on the new campaign, visit: sbscchamber.com/so-much-to-love/.