Not only did entrepreneur/chef Cindy Black realize that downtown Santa Barbara needed a place for late-night and post-clubbing grubbing, she met the need in style with gourmet creations at an affordable price. Through perseverance and word of mouth the Blue Owl, which shares the space with Zen Yai at 425 State St., has become a success for foodies and revelers looking for good food late at night.

A year and a half after launching her first venture, Black is ready to build on that success by opening a breakfast and lunch spot in another downtown storefront. She has taken over the space formerly occupied by Bitterman’s Deli at 5 W. Canon Perdido Street to become the new Blue Owl Café. As with the late-night version, the new eatery will offer inventive, healthy food created with local ingredients. The new Blue Owl is on track to open in early June.

“Cindy has chosen a prime location to attract downtown breakfast and lunch clientele,” said Kristopher Roth of Hayes Commercial Group, who represented Black in the lease. “She definitely has the determination and talent to make the new Blue Owl a local favorite.”

A spokesperson for the landlord, Rametto Company LLC, said that they like to encourage local business owners, and they knew as soon as they met Cindy that she would be successful.