Santa Barbara Restaurant Awarded $50,000 from DoorDash

One Santa Barbara restaurant received a substantial cash prize from DoorDash this week.

Yona Redz, located at 532 State Street, was surprised with a $50,000 check on Thursday from the food delivery service.

The Mexican restaurant opened over three years ago in the middle of the pandemic offering a variety of options including birria and their specialty “quesotaco.”

“The strong sense of community is the main reason I come to my restaurant every day and look forward to serving the best birria on State Street and all over Santa Barbara with DoorDash making it possible to get our food fast and easy,” said Yona, owner of Yona Redz.

DoorDash initiated the promotional giveaway over a month ago urging all “Santa Barbara” restaurants, from Isla Vista to Carpinteria, using their app to complete at least ten DoorDash orders before November 30th to be entered into the giveaway.

The delivery company aimed to target local restaurants, with 75 stores or less, instead of franchises to grow their online business.

Santa Barbara City councilmembers Alejandra Gutierrez (far left) and Oscar Gutierrez (far right) pose with Yona [courtesy photo]

“Our mission to empower local economies is unwavering — no matter how big or how small of a community we’re serving,” said Ryan Mosher, Regional Sales Manager at DoorDash. “We’re thrilled to award Yona, a first-time restaurant owner who opened Yona Redz during the pandemic, with $50,000 to continue growing his beloved local business in Santa Barbara.”

Approximately 700 merchants within Santa Barbara County are on the DoorDash app as of September 2023. The company estimates there have been over $50 million in sales within the county from January through September of this year.

“I was so surprised when DoorDash called to let me know I was getting a $50,000 check to grow my business. It’s not everyday you see a local business like mine celebrated in this way. I believe anything is possible with hard work creating opportunities and some luck along the way. This is a blessing and I’m very grateful that Yona Redz is partnered with DoorDash. This check will go a long way,” said Yona.