Our Story
What started as a simple connection quickly grew into a shared vision. Leo Bunnin — a successful businessman in the automotive industry and self-proclaimed foodie — met accomplished restaurateur Ted Ellis, and the two instantly connected over their passion for great food, drinks, hospitality, and community.
Together, they set out to create something special for the Santa Barbara and Goleta community: a place that feels welcoming, energetic, and approachable, with memorable food, craft cocktails, local beer, and an atmosphere the neighborhood could truly call its own.
Enter Randy Balades, chef extraordinaire, whose passion for cooking and hospitality perfectly completed the trio. With backgrounds spanning business, hospitality, wine, and culinary arts, Leo, Ted, and Randy came together to create a restaurant built on community, comfort, and a genuine love of bringing people together through food.
The Team
Leo Bunnin
Leo Bunnin is an entrepreneur and successful car dealership owner with a passion for food, wine, and cars. Known for his innovative, community-focused approach, Leo has built businesses that break the mold in industries often known for being highly competitive. Throughout his career, he has consistently created companies with strong cultures and welcoming workplaces where both employees and customers feel valued. His vision for hospitality is rooted in creating spaces that feel local, approachable, and built around genuine connection.
Ted Ellis
With more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, Ted Ellis brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and energy to the team. His career began in fine dining, working as a sommelier in Michelin-starred restaurants before transitioning into creating lively, music-filled dining concepts of his own. Ted has played an integral role in some of Santa Barbara’s most notable restaurants, including serving as General Manager of The Lark and as Owner and Concept Creator of OKU Santa Barbara, and most recently We Want The Funk in the Funk Zone. His passion for exceptional food, wine, hospitality, and atmosphere continues to shape unforgettable dining experiences.
Randy Balades
Randy Balades has spent more than 20 years in the hospitality industry, driven by a passion for food and cooking across a wide range of culinary styles. He began his career as a server before discovering his true calling in the kitchen, leading him to attend culinary school and work in fine dining restaurants. While he appreciated the precision of fine dining, Randy’s heart has always belonged to slow-cooked meats and BBQ cuisine. After years working throughout the Santa Barbara area, he went on to open R&Q Kitchen in Fillmore, where he successfully expanded his love for BBQ into a thriving restaurant. Randy is excited to bring his culinary experience and approachable style together to create a menu that feels welcoming, flavorful, and community-driven for the Santa Barbara and Goleta neighborhoods.
Different Teams. One Vision.
Leo, Ted, and Randy may root for different teams — Leo for the Dodgers, Ted for the Giants, and Randy for the Red Sox — but they’ve always shared the same love for baseball, great food, and bringing people together. What started as a lifelong friendship and friendly rivalry grew into a shared vision: creating a restaurant built around community, hospitality, and memorable meals.
At The Neighborhood Grill, we bring together comforting classics with a modern California influence — from 100% Angus beef burgers and fresh tacos to vibrant salads, shareable bites, soft serve ice cream, and a thoughtfully curated selection of local beer and cocktails. Above all, we wanted to create a restaurant that celebrates the flavors, energy, and laid-back spirit of California.
No matter which team you cheer for, everyone has a seat at the table here.