On Aug. 11, a short message posted on the Facebook page of a popular Solvang restaurant sent shockwaves through Santa Barbara County’s foodie community.
Bacon and Brine, an eatery featured in national publications and television programs, announced the restaurant would close permanently the following day.
“It is with the heaviest hearts and most disappointments that we are announcing the closure of Bacon and Brine,” the post said. “Tomorrow, Saturday, will be our last day of service. We can not express enough gratitude for those who’ve helped along the way and the support of this community that we’ve experienced.”
A similar message also appeared on the restaurant’s website. Fans of Bacon and Brine flooded the comments section with messages of support, with many asking how such a popular and well-reviewed restaurant could go out of business.
Owned by Crystal “Chef Pink” DeLongpre and her wife Courtney DeLongpre, the restaurant focused on hyper-local food and had a devoted following and fan base. In addition to numerous print publications, Crystal was featured on several television shows, including Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen and Spike TV’s Bar Rescue. Additionally, the DeLongpres were featured together on the Logo show Hungry, a documentary series that examined gender inequality among chefs.
In August of 2016, Bacon and Brine moved from its longtime Solvang location at Atterdag Square to 1618 Copenhagen Drive, a location known as Hamlet Square, as part of an overall expansion effort.
In a Feb. 10 Facebook post, Bacon and Brine offered some insight into the financial difficulties they faced moving into a new location. According to the post, the couple undertook $175,000 in debt because they were not able to get any business loans. The post included an invitation to a fundraiser to help with their costs.
“After years of working in 300 square feet, Chef Pink and Courtney Rae relocated to Solvang’s Hamlet Square,” the post said. “The Bacon and Brine remodel proved dramatically slower, more complex, and far more costly than anticipated. Denied conventional business loans, the DeLongpres took on personal debt in excess of $175,000, which undermines their success.”
In recent months, the venue began offering breakfast, Friday night dinners, and launched a collaboration with California Spun selling organic, artisan cotton candy.
On Aug. 12, the venue’s last day, Crystal penned a personal note to Facebook followers as well, thanking customers for their support.
“To all those who came out today … thank you,” she wrote. “Thank you so much. I am sorry that the heartbreak is too much for me to continue with dinner. I am so sorry to let anyone down. Bacon and Brine has been my heart, blood, sweat, and tears for three years. I’ve given you all my all, every day, every dish, every bite. I love you all and I will rise to cook for you again … just give me a minute and I will be back. Love and bacon forever.”
The DeLongpres declined to comment for this story.
This article appears in Aug 17-24, 2017.