Port District Inks Deal for New Family Entertainment Venue

Beers

New Ventura Harbor Village Entertainment & Restaurant Venue Features Artisan Menu, Beer, Wine & Entertainment Opening in 2023

A state-of-the-art family entertainment venue, managed by Aarmark Beer Gardens, Inc., will join the seaside attraction mix at the Ventura Harbor Village with the approval of a multi-year lease on January 19, 2022 by the Ventura Port District Board of Port Commissioners.  The 5,736 square foot venue, with plans to open in 2023 and its official name still to be announced, will specialize in artisan food, top-rated international beers, a legendary wine list, and multitude of entertainment activities.

CEO of Aarmark Beer Gardens Inc, Aaron Running states, “Friends and family can leave their worries at the door as the new endeavor offers a wide array of entertainment options for all ages featuring multi-sport simulators, virtual reality, retro arcade games, a stadium seating sports viewing, and more.”

Aarmark Beer Gardens, Inc., currently operates four popular restaurant facilities including SB Biergarten in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, Fire & Vice in Moorpark and Santa Maria, and Copenhagen Sausage Garden in Solvang. CEO Running shares insight into the new waterfront menu highlighting wood-fired pizzas, artisan sausage, grass-fed burgers, salads, giant pretzels, a full kid’s menu, plus some fun theme focused menu items. “Come for the food, stay for the fun – an experience like no other,” promises Running.

Ventura Port District, who manages the Ventura Harbor Village, plans to invest $725,000 in facade and infrastructure improvements to the building prior to turning the space over to Aarmark Beer Gardens, Inc. Aarmark will also invest an additional $651,500 towards tenant enhancements.

“This exciting and vibrant entertainment use will continue to expand upon offerings springing up at Harbor Village, joining many long-time favorites,” said the District’s General Manager, Brian Pendleton.

Members of the Board at the public Ventura Port District hearing shared their positivity for the business. “His location in Santa Barbara is lovely and I can’t wait to see Mr. Running bring that caliber of business with a strong focus on entertainment to our Harbor,” said Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners, Chris Stephens.

Ventura business and tourism leaders have also voiced their enthusiasm at the hearing for the new venue.  Stephanie Caldwell, President and CEO of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, cited Running’s success in both Santa Barbara and Ventura counties stating, “His history and experience is exactly what we need more of in Ventura to elevate business and provide additional opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”

Marlyss Auster, President and CEO of the Visit Ventura praised the new Village endeavor.  “The family entertainment, complemented with fresh restaurant offerings, add to the wonderful variety of options available at Ventura Harbor Village, and will encourage visitors to stay longer to enjoy its scenic setting,” said Auster.

The new Aarmark Beer Garden Inc, restaurant and entertainment center will be located at 1575 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 100 at the Ventura Harbor Village, present site of the Village Carousel & Arcade. The Port District thanks the Thames family for their years of arcade and carousel operations at Harbor Village. For more information on the seaside attraction, visit VenturaHarborVillage.com