This just in from reader Tom:
Hi John,
Walked by Chomps at the harbor on this beautiful day today, and it was empty. Asked the hostess for Salty upstairs and she said it’s permanently closed. That was fast!
Thanks,
Tom
Local restaurateur Aaron Petersen – owner / operator of Solvang’s Chomp | Burgers, Fries, Shakes, Brekkies by Chomp and The Coffee House by Chomp – opened Chomp restaurant on October 15, 2020 in the former home of Chuck’s Waterfront Grill at the Santa Barbara Harbor. Petersen’s sister waterfront dining and drinking concept, Salty at the Beach, is open for business as usual. I spoke with with a representative of Chomp who confirmed the closure and also tells me the business is for sale. They have been in negotiations with a buyer since December but are accepting back up offers. Reader Hefe thinks that Broad Street Oyster at 418 State Street, which is looking for permanent location, would be great for this spot!
Photo by The Restaurant Guy
Hi John. Yes, Chomp in the harbor is closed. We have been in negotiations with a buyer since December. We are though accepting back up offers. Feel free to call Aaron Petersen directly at 8056894612
Word is Broad Street Oyster is looking for permanent location. That would be great for that location.
Broad Street went into the space behind Shaker Mill that used to be Cubaneo.
But that’s a temp spot.
What happended, that’s sad to hear. We loved Chomps. The burgers, the fries, the location, the people. What happened? Hopefully all those employees will find jobs.
That beautiful patio and serving burgers and milkshakes. Now we know.
Yes, that patio was incredible, and the burgers, fries, and shakes-wonderful. Sightseeing all the tourists and local yocals. We need more burger and fry places in SB please with gluten and soy free and vegan options too!
Noozhawk has an article about what’s happening: https://www.noozhawk.com/article/chomp_at_the_rocks_headed_for_new_owner_concept_santa_barbara_harbor
Makes sense. The new owners came in, fired the existing staff who actually new the customers and the business, and tried to do it on their own. Obviously a recipe for disaster and yet another vacant restaurant in SB due to poor management/ownership/leadership.