What is the price of a tour at Bellosguardo? Google search says $100. That doesn't sound very "Open and Accessible". And rental fees for "Special Events"?
Sounds more like a Business masking as a non-profit.
What a very kind comment to leave thank you very much David! Made our day! + All of the other comments of support and love mean so much to us.
Thank you for sharing your research on this fascinating little gem of a building!
I am genuinely sad about the Hitchcock Theater. It's the only remaining Metro theater that I enjoy — because its a bit of a secret and no-stress grabbing a ticket and seeing movies that aren't always in wide distribution. It was a perfect cloudy day venue for some good ol' escapism. Losing this to a car dealership feels especially weird, considering I don't imagine a dealership exactly "thriving" there. Speaking of escapism, clearly this real estate at present or with its future plans is living in a world that no longer exists — good luck with your revenue.
You can't blame restaurants for releasing menus without prices when the first thing people do is complain about how expensive everything is.
I assume it's the little area with convenience snacks inside the gift shop. It's sort of tucked away in the back corner of the store.
Is the lunch at Monte's free? Menu with no pricing is suspect on what they will be charging lettuce, etc..??
How charming. Buildings like this add such an essential textural element to a place. So grateful to Mr. Krablin for preserving it.
Thank you Bruce and Starr for all that you're doing to keep Santa Barbara a place full of music, cocktails, comfy vibes, and a great place to meet good people.
JD, I couldn't agree more.
I’m fairly new to the area and have been intrigued by some locals who never seem to visit downtown but complain about it. There are many business really trying to make SB a better town. I suggest instead of complaining, check out some of the newness and of course the long standing establishments.
Italian cuisine is more than just pasta.
A dealership instead? Not sure about that.
I really want to check out Beau, it looks like a fun place to hang! Soon, hopefully, soon. Why would someone be trying so hard to give negative reviews to a bar they've never even been to!?
Tiny fact check: the Beau website was designed with exactly zero AI. Human concept, human design, human creative. We do use AI as a marketing tool… proudly, but apparently it’s now getting credit for work it didn’t even do. 😂
Apparently we’re an AI-driven storytelling bar. Which is wild because AI still hasn’t shown up for a single bartending shift. For the record, ChatGPT has never poured a glass of wine, booked a band, hosted bingo, moved a couch, cleaned a bathroom or stayed until midnight talking to a wonderful and intriguing stranger at the bar. We’re working on its work ethic. 🤣🤣
FWIW - Metro Theaters usually posts showtimes on Tuesdays for the upcoming week beginning on Fridays. Hopefully will see new showtimes posted tomorrow.
Don, not only is the website AI generated, the copy reads as if it were ChatGPT's first pass. I hope the owner's are successful and kudos for trying something different - but it's a bit ironic to open a story-telling bar and to then outsource the creative to AI
Metro doesn't currently have showtimes for any of their other theaters past Thursday, so probably not significant. (Or, even more significant?)
How do you know its AI "driven" and what's wrong with that?
Businesses need to use the tools that make them efficient and competitive.
There is a snack shop at the botanical gardens?
I'm not too familiar with AI writing but with the other mentions this post is suspect...
The Towbes Group is the reason for Mission Refill’s closure. Their unreasonable lease terms have pushed out and purposely prevented viable locally and independently owned businesses from operating in the Calle Real Center. We are going to continue to see national franchises open in the center that meet Towbes’ profit optimization model over community interest or needs.
Not sure what's a more unpredictable business model today, a movie theater or an auto dealership franchise.
I've been to Beau a few times. I've been pleased with the wine selection and the cocktails are tasty and creative. However, AI heavy marketing and the push of the storytelling aspect kind of ruins it. It just feels like they're trying too hard.
The remodel is lovely, it's a very inviting space, the menu is solid, and the staff makes you feel welcome. That should be all they need, I know that's all I am really looking for.
I don't want to knock any business for trying something different, the concept was clearly a labor of love, but I just don't know who they're marketing to. It feels targeted towards tourists looking for a gimmick, rather than locals looking for a new favorite spot. I wish them well, but I don't see myself becoming a regular.
One thing I will give them credit for is getting their branding on the side of the building facing the parking lot. I don't know why any of the many bars that have came and went in that space have never asked to do that.
Beau has a great vibe and Starr and Bruce are terrific hosts. Kudos to them for creating such an interesting place.
