Soul Bites Restaurant & Venue Needs $30K by September 15
Soul Bites Restaurant, on lower State Street, is the community-based entertainment space during Black History Month and all year round. The food is served up homemade by owner and actor, Stirling Nix-Bradley and his partner Rose. Their mission: “To feed the soul of our community through the comfort of our kitchen.”
Due to recent financial hardship derived from both a tough summer and the economy of Santa Barbara, they need to raise $30,000 by September 15.
Nix-Bradley: “This is hard for me to say, but…we’ve had a rough summer, with some unexpected expenses, during our slower months and we need some help. We’ve worked with our landlord, and they have generously offered us reduced rent for the rest of the year, to help us get back on track and to give us the opportunity to continue serving our community. We are hosting a series of events to raise money, so that we can stay on State Street, in Old Town Santa Barbara and keep doing what we love…cooking chef-driven Soul Food and maintaining the only community based, live entertainment venue, restaurant and bar in town. We fought hard to create our space two years ago, and we plan to continue fighting to offer this safe space for our community. We have been and will continue to be proud supporters of the Black and Brown community, the LGBTQ+ community, the sober community, the houseless and disadvantaged, artists of all disciplines, and the youth of our community. We do this by offering a safe, welcoming space for all. Our mission is to feed the SOUL of our community, through the comfort of our kitchen, and a diverse cultural collection of art and entertainment.”
Helping to get the word out is Black Culture House’s Darrell McNeill and Sally Foxen-McNeill, the Juneteenth Committee, and social media.
411: GoFundMe: www.gofundme.com/f/save-soul-bites-a-hub-for-art-and-comfort-food
Insta: www.instagram.com/soulbitesrestaurants
Website: https://soulbitesrestaurants.com/
Let’s keep supporting our local Black Owned Businesses. Here are a few more to know:
Ethiopian Chef Mollie Ahlstrand, long respected Cheffrom A-Listers to local Montecito peeps, reopened her culinary talents in Carpinteria in 2023, at Mollie’s Kitchen. As she continues to serve up top level Italian fare, her strength through personal hardships is that of the G.O.A.T inspiration. The restaurant offers indoor dining, take out, and cooking classes along with her cookbook.
411: www.molliesdeli.com
Rare Society Restaurant(Trust Restaurant Group), owned and operated by Chef and Restauranteur Brad Wise. The restaurant pays homage to retro steakhouses, along with upscale cocktail programs and sustainably sourced seafood. One of his five locations is on 214 State Street, DTSB. Originally from the Central Coast, he holds close the wood-fired cooking methodology served alongside a great menu and atmosphere.
The Summerland Salon & Spaco-owner Kara Richard is a Black woman who, with her business partner Jonathan Dawson,bring the complete beauty and wellness experience to our town. They host retreats, wellness workshops, and teach salon education, with their belief in the importance of building community.
411: www.summerlandsalonandspa.com
Dr. Jacquelin “Jacques” Charles, DC, BA, BA, LA, LC, LE; Aesthetics, Health & Wellness Institute, DTSB. Dr. Charles is a Board-Certified Licensed Chiropractor, Licensed Aesthetician, Licensed Cosmetologist, and Licensed Electrologist. He is a philanthropist and community activist, an experienced actor, model and yoga instructor. He truly enjoys serving others and being an asset to his community. He holds a dual B.A. from UCSB in Dramatic Arts and Black Studies, a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences, is a licensed Aesthetician, Cosmetologist and Electrologist. For a full list of services and more about Dr. Charles see the 411.
411: http://drjacquescharles.com/dr-jacques-charles
SB Party Animalsprovides a unique petting animal zoo at many of our town’s celebrations, especially for children and seniors. It was founded on an endearing story about a young boy who was orphaned in the middle of the Burundi civil war in 1997. His adopted family brought him to our town. He was naturally drawn to animals, from cats, chickens and more, and the party animals petting zoo business was founded.
411: www.sbpartyanimals.com/our-story
MamaBoy Movers,founded by Tevin Krall, who was raised by his single mom. The moving company’s mission is, “founded in love and respect for its clients, and its commitment to have a positive impact on our community with special support for veterans, senior citizens and single parents.”
Community Invited to Pre-High Holidays Schmooze by Chabad of Montecito
Rabbi Chaim Loschak of Chabad of Montecito is inviting the community, no affiliation necessary, to join their Pre-High Holidays Schmooze event on Thursday, September 19, 7:15-8:30 pm. The event will answer questions about Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Torah insights, and have space for discussion. Reservations are required.
411: www.jewishmontecito.org, 805-613-7199
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