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Today was the last day of business for the hugely popular Santa Barbara Market at 1320 Commercial Drive. The current owners are retiring, and the business closes after 42 years of wonderful service.
A couple of hundred fans, organized by Penny Street and supported by much of the Carnival Band, held a thank you celebration outside the store at lunch time today. It was an emotional affair, with songs written for the occasion, lots of dancing, flowers for the staff, a quick history lesson from me, and memories galore.
Santa Barbara has been an integral part of the Drive experience for so long, and the community came out to show just how important that has been.
We understand that new owners will be taking over the business, probably with a new name. However, I know that for me, like many others, it will be very strange walking that block tomorrow without Santa Barbara Market being there.
Jak's View of Vancouver v.3 
Wow, but maybe they own the building & have other stores too explaining the good prices & success as well?
the store kept on ticking. Feb 1 it was still open
It’s too bad but not all is closed, Joe’s Cafe, The Windjammer & The Portuguese Club is still open all old-line staples of Commercial Dr if persons are there to keep it running.
Focus on what’s still open & they’re still there!