By DAYNA DRUM | Reporter
County officials took another step last week in an effort to attract a new restaurant to a property currently occupied by one of the Palisades’ oldest eateries.
Gladstones—which has offered ocean-side dining on PCH for more than 44 years—may not renew its lease when it expires in October 2017, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl is taking the opportunity to bring in a fresh business. Once the lease expires, the county is obligated to open the property up for a competition between potential operators.
Gladstones has been operating on a 20-year lease, but Kuehl wants to extend the lease to 40 years to attract a new operator who will revamp the oceanfront property.
At a Board of Supervisors meeting last week, Kuehl motioned to change the lease’s length paving the way to move forward with the process, explained Carol Baker from the Department of Beaches and Harbors.
Since Gladstones sits on state land, the alteration to the lease will have to be made on a state level. The supervisor will now have to find a member of the state legislature to back the change and put it through the legislative process. Baker explained that it’s a small and technical piece of legislation, and it shouldn’t be hard to find someone to back it.
The Gladstones property needs a series of improvements, Baker said, including structural improvements and repositioning of the property. Kuehl’s argument is that with that much work needed a 20-year lease isn’t enough time for a new business to want to come in.
It is not yet clear what Gladstones intends to do. A message on the restaurant’s website reads, “Despite what you may have heard throughout the media, at this present time, there is no set closure date for Gladstone’s Malibu. We are happy to continue taking your reservations and event inquiries over the phone or via email/website submission.”
While Gladstones has enjoyed its iconic status on the beach for nearly half a century, it hasn’t boasted the best of reputations.
Of over 1,300 reviews on Yelp, Gladstones holds only three out of a five star rating. A recent reviewer, Chris G., wrote, “How far the might have fallen. My experience today was a far cry from normal. If it were not for the great location, I’d be hard pressed to go based solely on the food.”
Many reviews went on to lament the down turn of the once grand eating spot. Paula C. wrote, “Sad day for my family – this spot has been a big part of out celebration ritual for decades. Yes we’ve seen it go through many changes. PLEASE- fix this restaurant- the location is incredible and the staff was great. We want to come back!!”
Yet others remain loyal and still offer plenty of praise to the restaurant. Matt M. wrote, “We love Gladstone’s. I’ve been a customer for over 25 years. We love to celebrate our family and personal occasions here.”
Gladstones did not respond to requests for comment from the Palisadian-Post.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.