While the Beach House Restaurant in Cordova Bay is for sale, operations will continue as normal until the end of August, says its owner, who is planning to retire at the end of August.
Kate Phoenix said in a statement Wednesday that the restaurant will close after hosting its last wedding on Aug. 27.
“Until that date, our entire management team in the events area, kitchens and the restaurant will all remain the same.
“Each of these people are personal friends as well as employees and we have all made a pact to stay until the closure and ensure every day is performed at our same high standard.”
The Cordova Bay Road restaurant is on two waterfront lots, now on the market for $5.5 million.
Another four lots across the road are also for sale, priced at $9.9 million. The lands are being marketed through two real estate firms.
The restaurant ran for decades as McMorran’s, which offered dining and live music and dancing, and served as a venue for special events. It closed in 2010.
Phoenix purchased the properties on each side of the road, upgraded the restaurant and opened it in 2012.
Careful consideration was given to the restaurant’s 55 employees, booked events and relationships with local suppliers during the sale period, she said.
Staff and suppliers were given 19 months’ notice of plans and no bookings have been taken beyond the end of August, said Phoenix.
Some potential buyers have expressed interest in using the building as a restaurant, she said.
Others are real-estate developers and other entrepreneurs interested in commercial use.
Barb Lucas, president of the Cordova Bay Community Association, said many area residents are disappointed that Cordova Bay might not continue to have a restaurant at the site.
“It is a fixture and there are very limited other options in our community,” Lucas said.
“So, as far as what residents would want to see there, [it’s] another restaurant. Time will tell.”
At a workshop with residents to help develop the March 2022 Cordova Bay local area plan, the village core was defined as including the Beach House restaurant at its southern end, Lucas said.
“Residents felt very strongly about its inclusion and importance as a defining presence in our community.”
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