In March of 2007, the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation purchased Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens from the Chung family who had operated the Chinese restaurant and lived in the adjoining residence for sixty years. The acquisition of Jimmy’s uniquely enhances SBTHP's ability to interpret the many-layered history of Santa Barbara’s Presidio Neighborhood, from its use by the Chumash to the history of the Spanish, Mexican, Euro-American, Chinese and Japanese settlers who have occupied the site for the past 200-plus years.

Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens was a longtime favorite for locals and tourists alike before closing its doors in 2006 with the retirement of operator Tommy Chung. Opened in 1947 by Tommy’s father, Jimmy Yee Chung, the Chung family and Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens have been an important part of the diverse community of people who have lived and worked within the Presidio Neighborhood. During the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries the area in and around the Santa Barbara Presidio included communities of Chinese and Japanese, residing in what was a unique and culturally rich neighborhood. As the last Chinese–run business in “new” Chinatown, Jimmy’s serves as a visible link to that past. SBTHP takes pride in its role as stewards of this unique community treasure.