Nestled in one of California’s most charming seaside villages, the owner of this fine establishment will proudly tell you his place “is a gold mine". The fact that he’s had offers to franchise it, that the food is flat-out fantastic, and that patrons are happy to wait up to an hour for a table, all suggest he is right. Walk the streets on a late weekday night when the rest of town is quietly closing its doors, and this little trattatoria is still alive with music, wine, and laughter. So too is the lively bar next door, which is always a party in progress, and quick to send customers over for hors d’oeuvres to go, or a coveted spot on the wait list. A 2009 nominee for “Best Italian Restaurant” by KRON channel 4 TV, with excellent reviews on yelp.com, tripadvisor.com, and referralsantacruz.com.

Described as “a neighborhood favorite” by one local paper, this is a prime location with room to grow. Cash already flows in from the referrals from next door, from catering jobs, and cooking classes, and the restaurant is promoted by the local vacation rental agencies and hotels. Churning profits from a small 790 sq. ft. space that serves dinners only, a new owner could kick up the sales by expanding into the adjoining space which is currently vacant, adding on a pizzeria, or offering a lunch menu. Competition? Sure, on the one hand, it’s everywhere; this is a seaside resort that lends itself to all types of cuisine. But on the other hand, there’s simply no place like this one in town.

So why sell? Only a wife in Italy with a baby on the way could pull a successful chef away from a creation like this. So whether you’ve got a restaurant already and you’re looking to relocate or expand, or like this owner a few years ago, you’re ready to jump into your first culinary enterprise, this is an opportunity you have to check out.