Things are spicing up in the Goodland.
Three new dining options are coming to Hollister Village Plaza as part of the latest tenant shakeup at the shopping center.
Raising Cane’s, El Pollo Loco and Urbane Cafe will open side-by-side at 7000 Hollister Avenue next to CVS. The shopping center is next to the Hollister Village apartments and across the street from the Camino Real Marketplace. It is also near UC Santa Barbara and Dos Pueblos High School.
The restaurants’ exact opening dates have not been finalized, though it will be announced around the end of 2026, said Jud Dutrisac, the chief operating officer of leasing agent Westar Associates, in an emailed statement.
“We anticipate strong support for these restaurants, allowing each of them to thrive, which will in turn contribute to the overall success of the shopping center,” Dutrisac said.
The new restaurants are part of a renaissance of food options in the area as developers look to modernize the shopping centers.
A roman-style pizzeria just held its grand opening on Calle Real, and Rori’s Artisanal Creamery opened in the Camino Real Marketplace in April.
In line with its Goleta opening, Raising Cane’s—a Louisiana fried chicken shop—has pledged to expand to 1,600 locations by the end of 2030. El Pollo Loco, another chain restaurant, specializes in Mexican-style, fire-grilled chicken.
Urbane Cafe serves gourmet sandwiches and salads. The cafe’s location in the shopping center will be its first on the South Coast.
Hollister Village Plaza offers four other food options, including Jeannine’s, Takashi Ramen & Korean BBQ, TAP Thai and Hochaya Tea House.
As construction for the new restaurants are underway, the developments have brought mixed reactions from community members.
Mike Mitchell, who has lived in Goleta since 1987, said he would rather see locally owned businesses come to Hollister Village Plaza instead of restaurant chains.
“The people of Goleta don’t want it to become LA,” he said.
Others said the new options will be beneficial for the city.
The restaurants will provide new jobs and generate added sales tax revenue, said Kristen Miller, the president and CEO of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, in an emailed statement.
The openings come as part of a larger demand for convenient, affordable options for students and families, she said.
“These additions will continue to stimulate the local economy and drive foot traffic beyond Hollister Village to the other shopping centers in the area, just as Jeannine’s and other local restaurants have already done,” Miller said.
Natacha Chaiseree, the owner of Takashi Ramen & Korean BBQ, said in an emailed statement that she is excited about the activity that the three restaurants will bring to the shopping center.
“Our vision is for the plaza to become a destination where people can find everything they need,” Chaiseree said, “including a variety of delicious food options and healthier choices, all in one convenient location.”
