About Downtown Business Spotlight
Downtown Business Spotlight is a virtual interview series hosted by the Santa Barbara Independent and Downtown Santa Barbara, where we chat and get to know our Santa Barbara business owners.
Watch our past episodes:
6/23/2022: How We Work
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Pam Tanase (Work Zones), Matt Olufs (Compass First), and Kevin Davis (Amazon) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
5/19/2022: Blue and Green
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Skip Abed (Santa Barbara Sailing Center), Michael Cohen (Santa Barbara Adventure Company), and Heather Deutsch (SB Bike) in this weeks Downtown Business Spotlight.
5/19/2022: Home & Garden
Join Leslie Dinaberg in conversation with Hannah Bangs (Idyll Mercantile), Lisa Faitell (Faitell Attractions), and Stephanie Payne-Campbell (domecil) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
5/5/2022: LIVE Art & Wine Tour
Join Charles Donelan in conversation with Erik Krueger (Downtown Santa Barbara), Nathan Vonk (Sullivan Goss), Andrew Rawls (The Crafter’s Library) in next week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
4/21/2022: Earth Day
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Kathi King (Community Environmental Council), Alexis Rizo (Community Environmental Council), and Molly Taylor (Community Environmental Council) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
4/7/2022: Live Music
Join Charles Donelan in conversation with David Asbell (Lobero Theatre) and Gail Hansen (Soho) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
3/24/2022: Summer Camps
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Brian McDonald (Ensemble Theatre Company), Michelle Cyr (Santa Barbara Botanic Garden), and Adam Porte (City of Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation Department) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
3/10/2022: Burger Week
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Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Falah Maayah (Foxtail Kitchen) and Jay Ferro (Kyle’s Kitchen) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
2/24/2022: SBIFF
Join Charles Donelan in conversation with SBIFF’s Roger Durling, Benjamin Goedert, Claudia Puig, and Claire Waterhouse in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight
2/10/2022: ARTS District
Join Charles Donelan in conversation with Michelle Beamer (Lonetree), Richard Yates (Opal Restaurant and Bar), and Colette Cosentino (Cosentino Atelier) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
1/20/2022: Fitness, Health, Wellness
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Jon Speakman (Mindful Barbell), Jill Agonias (Sol Seek Yoga), and Natalie Rowe (Float Luxury Spa) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
12/16/2021: Celebrating the New Year
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Bix Kaufman (EOS Lounge) and Elliot Spechler (Baja Sharkeez) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
12/9/2021: Non-Profits: End of the Year Givings
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Liat Wasserman (Unity Shoppe), Hannah Webster (Food Bank of Santa Barbara County), and Judie Lugo (Santa Barbara Police Activities League) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
12/2/2021: Holiday Shopping
Join Gareth Kelly in conversation with Ingrid Estrella (Game Seeker) and Holland Hawthorne (Renaissance Fine Consignment) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
11/18/2021: Japanese Cuisine
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Teruhisa Ogue (Teru Japanese Cuisine) and Buck Thananaken (Wabi Sabi) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
11/11/2021: Breakfast & Brunch
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Alex Natrielli (D’Angelo Bakery) and Juan Jimenez (JJ’s Diner) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
11/4/2021: 1st Thursday
Join Charles Donelan in conversation with Andi Garcia (ArtCrawlSB), Alexandra Terry (Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara), and Diane and Ralph Waterhouse (Waterhouse Gallery) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
10/28/2021: Food & Drink - Something Sweet
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Maya Schoop-Rhutten (Chocolate Maya), Maria Elena Plascencia (SB Sweets), Bulent Derdiyok (LOKUM) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
10/19/2021: Best of Santa Barbara®
Join Charles Donelan in conversation with Joey Duddridge and Linsey Farrell (Mountain Air Sports) and Maureen Riley (Riley’s Flowers) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
10/11/2021: Italian Food
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Elaine & Alberto Morello (Olio e Limone Ristorante, Olio Bottega & Olio Pizzeria) and Guido Oppizzi (OPPI’Z Bistro and Natural Pizza) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
10/5/2021: Downtown Boutique
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Erica Brown (Dylan Star) and Robin Baron & Grace Paulette (Salt Boutique) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
9/28/2021: Food & Drink: Wine Bars
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Gabriella and Sean Larkins (Villa Wine Bar & Kitchen) and Zachary Feld & Breanna Kromer (Crush Bar & Tap) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
9/23/2021: Burrito Week
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Andrea Steward (Rudy’s Fresh Mexican Food) and Jonathan Estrada (Yona Redz) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
9/16/2021: Tattoo & Piercing
Watch recording
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Josh Parkhurst (Golden Eagle Body Piercing) and Sofia (Energy Tattoo & Body Piercing) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
9/9/2021: Relocating and Expanding Retail
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Andrew Gonzalez (805 University) and Ashley Fox (The Vintage Fox) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
9/2/2021: Food & Drink: Cold Treats
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with James Haskins (Tondi Gelato), Michael Palmer (McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams), and Rori Trovato (Rori’s Artisanal Creamery) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
8/26/2021: Downtown Collectives
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Sam Guzmán (Stabiles Santa Barbara) and Mary Beth Larkin & Anna Janelle (Locals’ Collective) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
8/19/2021: Downtown Outdoor Markets
Join Erik Krueger in conversation with Sam Edelman (Santa Barbara Farmers Market), Lisa Green (Blissful Boutiques), and Amy Gudino (Downtown Santa Barbara) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
8/12/2021: Active Aging
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Mary Beth Gomez (VNA Health) and Lisa Brabo (Family Services Agency) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
8/5/2021: Latin Cuisine
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Matias Requena-Mackinlay (Buena Onda Empanadas), Jeremy Tummel (La Paloma Cafe), Leslie Hollis-López & Ramsses Noeggerath (Carlitos Café y Cantina) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
7/29/2021: Fiesta Celebration
Join Charles Donelan in conversation with Stephanie Petlow (Old Spanish Days), Dacia Harwood (Santa Barbara Historical Museum), and Maria “Chacha” Bermudez (Maria Bermudez Flamenco Performing Arts Studio) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
7/22/2021: Antiques and Vintage Shopping
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Alan Howard, (Antique Alley), Paul Lewis (Old Town Antiques), and Sara Gehris (Urban Flea Market) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
7/15/2021: Books and Literary Finds
Join Emily Cosentino Lee in conversation with Molly Wetta, (Santa Barbara Public Library), Eric Kelley (The Book Den), and Teresa Taylor (Paradise Found) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
7/8/2021: Arts & Crafts
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Andrew Rawls (The Crafter’s Library), Rachael Myles and Kelly Almeida (Board & Brush Creative Studio), and Sam Winkelmeyer (Art Essentials) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
7/1/2021: Vegan Cuisine
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Nadia Ajouni (Blue Owl), Maria Nae (Green Table), and Dalan Moreno (Rascals) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
6/24/2021: Working It
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Pam Tanase (WorkZones), Kevin Davis (Amazon Santa Barbara), and Brandi Rivera (Santa Barbara Independent) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
6/17/2021: Downtown Festival and Events
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Stacie Bouffard (Summer Solstice), Jackie VanLingen and Kristin Flickinger (Pacific Pride Foundation), and Jordan Killebrew (Juneteeth Santa Barbara) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
6/10/2021: Downtown Tours
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Join Robin Elander in conversation with Evan Elizabeth Schoolnik Berger (Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours) and Teddi Drew (Wheel Fun Rentals & Santa Barbara Trolley Company) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
6/3/2021: Drinks for a Cause
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Tami Snow & Scott Stefan (Draughtsmen Aleworks), Jason Jones & Colin Campbell (Red Piano), and Melissa Baffa (Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
5/27/2021: Steaks & Seafood
Hear Matt Kettmann in conversation with Clay Holdren (Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood) and Warren Butler (Chase Restaurant & Courthouse Tavern) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
5/20/2021: Home & Garden
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Julie Spalluto and Adele Spalluto (Italian Pottery Outlet), Jonathan Brandon (747 Designs), and Hannah Bangs (Idyll Mercantile) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
5/13/2021: Ocean Adventures
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Skip Abed (Santa Barbara Sailing Center), Greg Gorga (Santa Barbara Maritime Museum), and Maddy Fossatti (Land and Sea Tours) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
5/6/2021: Biking Downtown
Hear Nick Welsh in conversation with Jesse Rosenberg (Santa Barbara BCycle), Scott LaMoine (Electric Bikes of Santa Barbara), and Kent Epperson (SBCAG Traffic Solutions) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
4/29/2021: Summer Camps
Watch recording
Hear Robin Elander in conversation with Robin Gose (MOXI), Annabel Padilla (Girls Inc.), Adam Porte (Parks & Rec) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
4/22/2021: Earth Day Celebration
Hear Robin Elander in conversation with Sigrid Wright (Community Environmental Council), Hillary Hauser (Heal the Ocean), and Deborah Schwartz (Santa Barbara Beautiful) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
4/15/2021: Coffee Shops
Hear Robin Elander in conversation with Todd Stewart & Felix Felix (Dune Coffee Roasters), and Marek Nold (Hustle & Grind Coffee Company) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
4/8/2021: Food & Drink: Asian Cuisine
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Peter Lee & Felicia Medina (Secret Bao), and Jerry Lee (Empty Bowl) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
4/1/2021: Art Galleries: Fine Art for All
Hear Charles Donelan in conversation with Nathan Vonk (Sullivan Goss), Jan Ziegler (10 West), and Thomas Reynolds (Thomas Reynolds Gallery) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
3/25/2021: Back to the Screen and Stage
Join Charles Donelan in conversation with David Corwin (Metropolitan Theatres), Benjamin Goedert & Shannon Kelley (Santa Barbara International Film Festival), and Kathryn Martin (Santa Barbara Symphony) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
3/18/2021: Animals: Friendly Pets & Wild Paws
Hear Tyler Hayden in conversation with Catalina Esteves (Cat Therapy), Christopher Harris & Isabelle Gullo (CARE4PAWS), and Rich Block (Santa Barbara Zoo) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
3/11/2021: Taking a Bite Out of Burger Week
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Clay Adams (Natural Cafe), Bob Stout (Little Kitchen), and Jay Ferro (Kyle’s Kitchen) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
3/4/2021: Theatre District Dining
Hear Matt Kettmann in conversation with Renaud Gonthier (Renaud’s Patisserie) and Richard Yates (Opal) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
2/25/2021: Return of Experiential Travel
Hear Matt Kettmann in conversation with David De L’Arbre (SB Travel Bureau), Michael Cohen (SB Adventure Company), and Kathy Janega-Dykes (Visit Santa Barbara) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
2/18/2021: The Status of Sipping
Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with John Nasser (Night Lizard Brewing Company), Aron Ashland (The Cruisery / Wine Therapy), and Katie Grassini (Grassini Family Vineyards) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
2/11/2021: Downtown Neighborhoods
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Albert DiPadova (Sevilla Square, Riviera Towel Company), Hugh Margerum (Presidio Neighborhood), and Mary Lynn Harms-Romo (Paseo Nuevo) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
2/4/2021: Money Matters
Hear Robin Elander in conversation with Janet Garufis (Montecito Bank & Trust), Nikki Parr (WEV), Clare Briglio (EDC Collaborative) in this week’s Downtown Business Spotlight.
1/28/2021: Cuisines from Many Cultures
Hear Matt Kettmann in conversation with Ninder Josan (Apna), Charlotte Andersen (Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant), Daniel Yoshimi & Jennifer Yannella (Brasil Arts Café) as they discuss their different restaurants.
1/21/2021: Heads in Beds
Join Tyler Hayden in conversation with Chris Cline (Canary Hotel), Warren Nocon (Hotel Californian), and Paul Bullock (The Eagle Inn) as they discuss the downtown hotel scene.
1/14/2021: Food & Drink: Side Street Stars
Hear Matt Kettmann in conversation with Ruben Perez (Black Sheep), Mitchell Sjerven (Bouchon), and Tony Arroyo (Los Arroyos) as they discuss their restaurants off State Street.
1/7/2021: New Year's Resolutions: Taking Care of Mind, Body, and Soul
Hear Robin Elander in conversation with Adrienne Smith (Power of Your Om), and Mikki Reilly (Fitness Transform) as they discuss taking care of your mind, body, and soul.
12/17/2020: Home Goods: Getting Cozy at Home
Hear Robin Elander in conversation with Jorja La Barre (Celadon House), and John & Sherine Leenhouwers (Prop and Décor & Tent Merchant) as they discuss getting cozy at home.
12/10/2020: Shopping Local for the Holidays
Join Robin Elander in conversation with Nancy Burgner & Peter Gaum (Lovebird), Beau Lawrence (Ace Rivington), and Nicki Horne (Peanuts Maternity & Kids) as they discuss shopping local for the holidays.
12/3/2020: Future of Live Music
Join Charles Donelan in conversation with Rick Boller (Santa Barbara Bowl) and David Asbell (Lobero Theatre) as they discuss the future of live music.
11/19/2020: Design Insight from the Past and Present
Join Bob Stout in conversation with Lynne Tahmisian (La Arcada) and Dawn Sherry (Sherry & Associates Architects) as they discuss design insights from the past and present.
11/12/2020: New Ideas in Old Town
Hear Tyler Hayden in conversation with Jason Harris (City of Santa Barbara) and Barrett Reed (Miramar Group).
11/5/2020: Food & Drink: Dinner & Dessert
Hear Matt Kettmann in conversation with David Lee (Creamistry) and Nuri Monahan (Intermezzo / Wine Cask).
10/29/2020: How Can Design Help State Street?
Hear Tyler Hayden in conversation with Brian Cearnal (Cearnal Collective) and Rob Dayton (City of Santa Barbara) as they discuss how design may be able to help State Street.
10/22/2020: Food & Drink: Beer & Wine
Hear Matt Kettmann in conversation with Shaun Smith (Institution Ale) and Doug Margerum (Margerum Wine Company).
10/15/2020: Art & Artists
Hear Charles Donelan in conversation with Larry Feinburg (Santa Barbara Museum of Art) and Jonathan Fox of (Ensemble Theatre Company).
10/8/2020: Food & Drink: Multiple Concepts
Hear Matt Kettmann in conversation with Marge Cafarelli (Santa Barbara Public Market) and Brendan Searls (Mizza / 1114 Crafthouse) as they chat about their multiple concepts.
10/1/2020: Retail Wisdom
Hear Robin Elander in conversation with Ravi Chahal (7 Eleven), Ashley Hayes (Asher Market), and Anelise Nascente & Fernandoo Tessari (E-Bikery) as they chat about retail wisdom.
9/24/2020: Today’s Bar Scene
Hear Matt Kettmann in conversation with Drew Cuddy (Satellite SB) and Brandon Ristaino (The Good Lion) as they discuss today’s bar scene.
9/17/2020: Beauty Industry Pivots
Hear Robin Elander in conversation with Jorge Salgado (The Barbershop) and Fabian Hernandez (Sequel Salon) as they discuss their experiences of pivoting within the beauty industry.
9/10/2020: Opening During a Pandemic
Hear Matt Kettmann in conversation with Eva Umejido of Taquería Santa Barbara and Sven Dybdahl of Viva Oliva as they discuss their experiences of opening a business during a pandemic.
