Two of Santa Barbara’s most iconic restaurants have been sold.
The Harbor Restaurant and Longboard’s Grill on Stearns Wharf were sold to an entity known as Santa Barbara Harbor Restaurant Inc., for an undisclosed amount.
The company has plans to remodel the 12,000-square-foot, two-story building with a 5-star menu. The sale was brokered by Dan Moll of Hayes Commercial Group.
Dave Perry and the Scott family owned the popular waterfront restaurants for more than four decades. It was a popular place for dinners, wedding parties, charity events and a perfect place for locals to bring friends and family when wanting to show off the breathtaking ocean view.
“The sellers will continue to own and operate Harry’s Plaza Café in Loreto Plaza and the Tee-Off restaurant on Upper State Street, so the fine food and service will continue,” said Dan Moll of Hayes Commercial Group.
The Harbor Restaurant offered a more elegant, white tablecloth dining experience downstairs, while the upstairs Longboards featured burgers, beer, fish and the famous Maui rings.
The Santa Barbara Harbor Restaurant Inc. is owned by Eugenio Sanchez and Francisco Ibanez. Ibanez has been in the restaurant business for more than 27 years and currently owns and operates four different restaurants in Southern California with two additional restaurants coming online in the next year, according to the waterfront department. Sanchez has been involved in the seafood production, importing/exporting, sales and distribution industry for over 30 years with current annual revenues.
According to the waterfront department, the concept for the new Harbor Restaurant is a “transformed, energetic atmosphere with multiple activated spaces, a re-created and enhanced menu featuring high quality seafood, as well as local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients, new beverages, local craft beers, and cocktails.”
The new owners plan to renovate and enhance the current spaces restaurant floors, along with the outdoor deck, bar areas, a to-go service window, a new lounge area, and a new coffee, pastry and gelato shop.
The renovations will be phased over time. according to the waterfront department, allowing for continuous operation of the restaurant.
The waterfront department agreed to transfer the lease from Perry and Scott, with seven years remaining. According to public recorts, the base rent is $52,498 per month.