Fatburger Sign Update

Fatburger corporate marketing types must read the local blogs -- the "We're Closed" sign has changed since several local bloggers mentioned the incorrect "Palmdale" reference the other day. Thanks to an avid reader for forwarding me a photo (click to enlarge):



On a whim -- I checked their website as well. The closest Fatburger to the "93101" zip code is now in Ventura:

State Street Update: Fatburger Evicted?

I noticed via Edhat that Fatburger just below De la Guerra and State was evicted -- see the story at santabarbara.com.

Very strange was the notice on the window as reported by The Restaurant Guy:

This restaurant is closed. We have enjoyed serving the Palmdale community.

Wha!?! They must be closing a few restaurants to be putting up the wrong sign...can you imagine the guy in charge of putting up the signs up and down the coast? "Where am I? Doh! Gotta go to the next one!"

No news on the Fatburger website (click screenshot to enlarge) -- Santa Barbara still shows as one of their restaurants.

Unfortunately, I have a feeling their closing may be a sign of things to come...

State Street/La Cumbre Plaza Update: Apple, Crate and Barrel, Luis Vuitton

Last week, it was announced that an Apple Store will be opening where Pier One is currently located on State Street. There are unconfirmed reports that they will be paying $4.53 a square foot which pencils out to $68,000 per month for the privilege of selling MacBooks and iPods on State Street. Perhaps one of our real estate specialists can comment on how anyone could afford that...do they write it off as a loss leader and essentially have higher profit stores cover the difference?

Yesterday, I heard second-hand that Crate and Barrel is moving into the Pep Boys building. Can anyone confirm?

While the face of State Street continues to become more corporate and chain-based, La Cumbre Plaza looks to be continuing on a path which will bump their traditional demographic elsewhere to shop or in debt. Somehow, I didn't think that our report that the ArtWalk was being canceled (and management's response) was the end of the story.

Pacific Coast Business Times reports that Luis Vuitton may be moving into La Cumbre Plaza where the Body Shoppe is located. Apparently, The Body Shoppe was asked to leave by the end of the month after 16-years at this location. Check out the link to the article for some choice comments from founder Anita Roddick's daughter Justine (whose mother recently passed away). Ritz Camera and Hallmark both have closing signs on their windows as well.

State Street Update: Italian & Greek Deli to Close on Saturday

It is with great sadness that I report that the Italian & Greek Deli will be closing on Saturday. What will go in it's place? Word is that a cellular phone store will be moving in. Just what we need on State Street....