Opening New Doors

Gene Montesano is living proof that where there is a will there is a way. Couple that with ambition and persistence, and the sky is the limit. Although he made his big entrepreneurial mark with Lucky Jeans, his business passion has shifted to include the restaurant industry. His current local ventures include Lucky’s, Tre Luna, Joe’s Café, and Café Luck, which should open shortly.

Tinta Latina sits down with the clothing and restaurant magnate to talk about his new restaurant and his road to success.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Santa Barbara?
Born in Brooklyn, New York. Moved to Miami at the age of 10. Lived there till I moved to Los Angeles at 30 years old in 1978. Moved to Santa Barbara in 1995.

How did you start out in the fashion industry?
At 19, I got my first job in a clothing store in Miami. I was always interested in why everything was the way it was. I always questioned why, then started to change things up, and eventually started to make and alter things myself.

What inspired you to enter the restaurant business?
Being of Italian descent and always being around lots of happy people and lots of good food the restaurant business was just a natural for me. I think subconsciously the movie “Casablanca” probably had something to do with it, too … I loved to watch Rick do his thing.

Describe your latest venture, Café Luck.
I think there is a void for comfort food, especially with a European touch so I thought a French Bistro would be great … so Café Luck should fill that void … Lucky’s with a European touch.

When is the grand opening?
Grand opening should be around September 1.

How is it different from Lucky’s?
The atmosphere should be on the sophisticated side, maybe a little more upscale. I don’t mean to be snobby, just different … We hope to attract people who want to eat food that it easily understood in an atmosphere that is comfortable and not trendy.

You are currently renovating Joe’s Café. What improvements are you making?
I’m very happy about the transformation of Joe’s Café. I think it has all come together for the first time since I have taken over ownership.

What is your favorite thing about Santa Barbara, and why?
My favorite thing about Santa Barbara is the pace and its natural beauty. I think Santa Barbara could be even better, I’d love to see State Street closed on Saturdays and Sundays, so the street would be for walking and restaurants could have tables all the way out into the sidewalks, like they do in Spain.

What are you greatest passions in life?
My greatest passions in life are my children and family first, then the things I do as projects which start out just as an idea and become businesses. It is not the business that motivates me, it is the project—whether it is making a pair of jeans or taking a space and turning it into a place where people like to go. It’s so special to get it right. It’s a special sense of accomplishment to me. It’s not about the money.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in life?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I should never take anything for granted … all things can end and you just never know when.

What is your advice to others out there whose goals are to become successful entrepreneurs?
If I had any advice to someone just starting out in business, I would tell them to do the best they can do all the time, and play very close attention to the details. If you don’t know what they are, find them, and then never take your eyes off them. Surround yourself with the best people you can. Whatever your success is, always give back. We have a foundation called the Lucky Brand Foundation. We have raised over $7 million for children. It is by far the most important thing I do.

What is next for you?
My biggest joy would be to continue what I do and someday be able to work with my children.