Prime space

about six months after opening Three Pickles Deli in 2007, founder and owner, Bob Lovejoy started complaining that he was a “victim of his own success.” The lines were routinely out the door and down the sidewalk with hungry sandwich patrons waiting ever more impatiently for their Three Pickle fix. The tiny prep kitchen was at capacity, and with only one order taker, the need for expansion was at hand. With little time to waste, lovejoy, his son clay and Three Pickle partner Bob Mccourt decided to make a bid for the now vacant jimmy’s oriental Garden space, which was right next door. jimmy’s had been a favorite eatery and watering hole of all three and they knew the space and its potential well. They also knew that since jimmy’s was an historical landmark to the city, patience, tactics and careful planning would be a must. about a year of tedious demolition, meticulous reconstruction and endless review later, the doors are finally open to what is now arguably the best sandwich deli in Santa Barbara.

“We can finally serve our customers with the style and speed they deserve,” Says clay, putting the finishing touches on perfectly marbled pastrami, smothered in a mixture of sour pickles, onions, olive oil and oregano, a deli signature sandwich. even the ham and Swiss on rye is epic, as are the Tri-tip, el Paseo cheese Steak and Italian Subs. and the lines? They’re still there and growing, but with four cashiers, a huge prep kitchen and seating for 60, the wait is getting ever shorter. –RB.

THree Pickles now serves draft beer and wine, is open until 5:30 PM including Saturdays and features free delivery for call in orders over 10 sandwiches. Located at 126 East Cannon Perdido. 805-963-1015.