The German restaurant Dutch Garden at 4203 State Street, which closed in June 2020 after decades in business, then reopened in November 2022 after extensive renovations and under new ownership, has been sold to Kelly Brown, owner of the popular Natural Café chain which has locations locally and in Westlake Village, Moorpark, and Santa Maria. I am hearing that Matt English, one of three owners from the 2022 relaunch, is staying with the business. Dutch Garden, which has been open for lunch only, recently added dinner two nights a week and I am told that the new evening service has been popular. Lunch hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., while dinner is served Thursday-Friday, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Follow at @dutchgardensb
Photo by The Restaurant Guy
Was wondering what was going on; we were there Sunday and something just felt off while sitting at the bar. Towards the end of an uneventful and not checked on meal, we heard some rumblings behind the counter by a longtime employee who clearly was not happy. I hope they can figure things out; DG is such a fun and funky place and although the Ken love is missing from the plates, they were pretty close.
Hi Fay , the restaurant sale won’t wrap up until mid-April.The group currently managing the store is kinda checked out so not surprised your visit wasn’t up to your expectations. But, we will be coming in with a new team, motivated to bring the Dutch Garden back to the quality and consistency you were used to when Ken owned it.So, we are sorry you weren’t satisfied last visit. We will get the ship back on course just as soon as we take over. Thank you for the feedback. Kelly Brown CEO Natural Cafe, Inc.
Charlie and Jen, the main operators left the business March 14th.