‘Dine Out Santa Maria Style’ Promotion Looking to Serve Up Sales to Local Restaurants
Dave Alley
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Maria Valley Chamber recently kicked off its annual Dine Out Santa Maria Style promotion in an effort to help boost sales at local restaurants.
Running through Feb. 13, the month-long celebration features 11 Santa Maria Valley businesses that are offering special deals for customers.
The yearly promotion is coordinated by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber and is held to help boost sales for restaurants during a time when fewer customers are dining out.
“Restaurant Month is one of the biggest campaigns that we produce throughout the year,” said Jennifer Ayala, Santa Maria Valley Chamber Marketing Coordiator. “It’s really to help local restaurants gain more business during the slower times of the year. The campaign is truly designed for visitors, and locals alike and it really just drives more traffic to these restaurants.”
In the past, restaurants offered deals with prices matching the year (i.e. $20.24 for the year 2024).
However, beginning last year, a change was made that allows restaurants to provide special deals of their choosing (i.e. free side with purchase of entree and drink, Buy one, get one free (BOGO) meals, $5 off orders of $30+, etc.).
Restaurant owners who have participated in the past say the special offers truly makes a difference in helping ring up more sales throughout the length of promotion.
“Every year It happens around this time and it’s always been a success,” said Randy Wise, longtime owner of Straw Hat Pizza. “People come in, and it creates word of mouth, and they tell somebody else and they enjoy it.”
Cool Hand Luke’s Steakhouse and Saloon owner Shawn Van Pelt who also owns the neighboring California Hot Dogs, agreed the promotion is good for business.
“I think the the program definitely brings in people are brings people out,” said Van Pelt. “I think it does bring in a little more than January would normally have. It’s important to support all the local owned restaurants. These are people in the community that live here, work here, provide jobs here. This program is a good way to get out and support local businesses that are helping the community, helping non-profits and the schools and everything.”
Participating businesses and deals this year includes:
Pizzeria Bello Forno – One Free house-made dessert with any $50.00 purchase
Straw Hat Pizza – One Large 2-Topping Pizza $19.99 +tax
Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House & Cafe – $5 OFF orders of $30 or more & Free dessert with the purchase of two main plates
The Century Room at The Historic Santa Maria Inn – Buy one, get one 50% off
The Range Kitchen + Bar – Buy one, get one 50% off the entire menu (Item that is 50% off must be of equal or lesser value)
Blast 825 Brewery – 15% off total order (Excludes Alcohol)
Simple Cafe – Signature breakfast $15.99 (Includes: Medium House Coffee, Hot or Iced Breakfast Burrito, Choice of Bacon or Sausage, Fresh baked muffin, choice of flavor)
Steller’s Cellar – Buy one wine tasting, get one free. (Weekly flight changes every Wednesday with a different price every week, generally from $15.00 to $25.00 a flight)
Cool Hand Luke’s – Enjoy a special $26 menu featuring Beer Battered Fish & Chips and Chuckwagon Chicken Pasta
California Hot Dogs – Chili Cheese Dog Family Pack: includes 6 Chili Cheese Dogs and 2 orders of Tater Tots for $19.99.
Maya Mexican Restaurant – Grab a Super Lunch for Two! Mix and match any two items (Nos. 1–10) for just $20.26. (Tuesday through Saturday, 8 AM to 2 PM)
For more information about the 2026 Dine Out Santa Maria Style promotion, click here to visit the official webpage.