One of the most visible and enduring restaurant advertising campaigns in the history of the South Coast has finally come to an end – 20 years after the eatery closed. A sign at the western gateway to the South Coast, on the southbound 101 freeway just west of Storke Road, featured Cafe Orleans which closed in Paseo Nuevo in 2004. Bruxie now occupies the former Cafe Orleans space in Paseo Nuevo. After the eatery’s demise, our “ghost restaurant ambassador” to the west continued to receive 6,000 views per hour (at peak driving times) for the next two decades. The adopt-a-highway sign recently switched to a new advertiser.
Interestingly, our restaurant ambassador at Santa Barbara’s eastern gateway is also a ghost eatery. A prominent sign is still standing for The Big Yellow House in Summerland and that legendary dining destination served its last customer in 2006. If their marquee can remain in place for just two more years, The Big Yellow House will break Cafe Orleans’ record for longest post-mortem restaurant advertising campaign on the South Coast.
Will Pea Soup Anderson’s billboard join thus illustrious list?
Great question. Pea Soup Andersen’s is planning to reopen in the next couple of years after a remodel, but if they don’t, the Big Yellow House better watch their back!
The Big Yellow House has undergone several transformations. It no longer operates as a restaurant but has been converted into a short-term rental with three separate units on the upper floor, which I manage. On the ground floor, you’ll find Arrediamo Home Décor, specializing in collectible rugs, carpets, and home décor, and Mevra Kamaci, a boutique selling imported women’s apparel.
Stop by and see the building’s evolution. It was originally William’s Mansion, home of the founding family of Summerland. It later became The Big Yellow House restaurant, then a yoga studio, and now, vacation rentals, Arrediamo, and Mevra Kamaci.
When visiting, pay close attention to see if you can sense the presence of Hector, who is rumored to be the spirit of the house.
Is there a link to the Big Yellow House vacation rentals?
You will have to Google it. This blog just includes links to restaurants.
Also, Big Yellow House is 100% haunted. Literal ghost restaurant.
Good catch! I forgot about that history.