2016 was a real transition year in many ways for our restaurants. We have been busy finishing the total renovations to all three restaurants. What started in 2011 and 2012 with the two-phased, total rebuild of the Sandbar is still ongoing as well as some exciting developments at our other two restaurants.
The great news is that the Beach House, now in its fourth phase, the new and improved waterfront deck, is almost done. Our kitchen team under Executive Chef Will Manson worked out of semi-trailers used as a temporary kitchen through the summer and fall of 2014 while we totally rebuilt our kitchen, dining room, bathrooms and bar. The exterior was next in 2015, followed up in 2016 by the total parking lot rebuild and landscaping. I am so proud of the team that made this all happen.
- Beach House Demo Day
- Beach House Deck is almost done
- MV Demo Day
- Mar Vista renovations progressing nicely
- Ed in the new bread oven
Mark Anderson heads up all of our construction projects. He has been a very busy guy for the last seven years. Barron Schimberg and his wife Patti are our incredible architecture and design team and Brent Whitehead is the general contractor that has done all of our projects. The other trades and professionals are too numerous to mention buy I do need to single out Lynn Burnett Townsend who is our civil engineer and Mike Miller and Grant Beat who worked together to accomplish what I believe is the largest all native landscaping project on a commercial property in our area. That has been coupled with the most advanced and progressive drainage and lot water management system. This system was developed overtime by Lynn as we developed our Pine Avenue Restoration projects. She literally redefined what our state water management districts thought could be done with controlling water on one’s own property. This is especially important on our island where runoff pollutes our local waters. We are very pleased to see that Lynn’s new techniques and engineering has been adopted by all three local municipalities and is now the standard island wide.
The last phase of the Beach House is almost done! We are so excited about the new look with the outdoor bar and the cockpit seating areas for folks waiting for tables. We are building a new bakery in the kitchen as well and Ted Louloudes, our head baker, is fired up about providing more house made table breads as well as a great brioche hamburger roll and many other items. I have enclosed a picture of his new oven. Its’ big enough for me to stand inside of it!
We began the long awaited Mar Vista project this year beginning with the total state of the art kitchen rebuild. We will have some seating available inside by early February and then pick up after season to complete the interior and exterior rebuild. Barron Schimberg and his team have helped us develop a great design that really reflects the history and heritage of this special place. The project should be done by late 2017 or early 2018.
Through all of this the most important element continues to be our team members and our guests. We are fortunate to work with a great group of people that are embracing the culture of our brand that is built around great, local, sustainable products served in a professional, friendly and courteous manner in a location that can’t be beat. My family and our team greatly appreciate your friendship and support and wish you and yours a Happy and Prosperous New Year. We are looking forward to 2017 and hope you are too.
Ed
{ 0 comments… add one now }
You must log in to post a comment.