Lucky Penny, located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, features innovative artisanal pizzas from a wood-burning oven, with locally sourced garden fresh salads, sweet treats, beer, wine and the ever-popular Frosé. The exterior of our building is tiled with more than 150,000 real copper pennies that shimmer in the warm Central Coast sunshine. Join us on our picnic patio or take it away!
Executive Chef Jason Paluska oversees three dynamic kitchens that serve five distinctive and award-winning concepts within Acme Hospitality – The Lark, Lucky Penny, Helena Avenue Bakery, Pearl Social and Santa Barbara Collective. Originally from Tomball, Texas, Jason began his cooking career in 2006 under chefs Mitch and Steve Rosenthal of Town Hall, Salt House, and Anchor & Hope in San Francisco. Jason then worked as a sous chef under renowned chef Jason Berthold at Michael Mina’s RN74. In 2013, he was the opening executive chef of The Lark in Santa Barbara, where he and his team were honored with a Michelin Plate Award in 2019 among numerous other prestigious recognitions. Jason’s tenure with Acme Hospitality spans more than a decade, contributing to the company’s success and elevating the culinary experiences across its diverse portfolio. Jason’s journey in the hospitality industry showcases his unwavering passion, exceptional talent, and dedication to the culinary arts.
Morgan’s hospitality career spans from the casual warmth of neighborhood pubs to the precision of fine dining. A Ventura native, she has led operations as General Manager at Ojai Pub, Todo Bien Kitchen & Tequila Bar, and most recently Wagon Wheel Brewing Company. Known for her focus on enlightened hospitality, Morgan oversees everything from staff development and financial operations to guest relations and community partnerships. Her earlier roles include time at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara and Santa Barbara’s Sama Sama Kitchen, experiences that deepened her craft in service and cocktails. Morgan brings a rare blend of operational discipline and guest-focused passion to both Lucky Penny locations.