Regulars of LouLou’s Griddle in the Middle in Monterey on Friday morning were greeted with locked doors and a sign in the window directing them to check Instagram for information.
The message posted on Thursday, Nov. 21 likely came as a shocker. “LouLou’s will be closing effective immediately.”
The restaurant’s lease with the City of Monterey was coming to an end on Dec. 31. “Moving forward with a new lease wasn’t going to be feasible for us,” LouLou's post on Instagram reads. "We don't know what's next for LouLou's."
The author of the post apologized to customers of the popular little spot on Wharf 2.
The Weekly has been unable to reach the owners by phone as of Friday morning at 10:30am.
Assistant City Manager Nat Rojanasathira says city officials first reached out to LouLou's back in May, noting that the current lease was coming to an end on Dec. 31, to see about scheduling negotiations. The parties never entered into negotiations, he says, because LouLou's management did not seek to do so. On Oct. 28, the owners notified the City that they did not intend to renew.
"We didn't even have an opportunity to meet," Rojanasathira says. "We're sad to see them close." His favorite menu item, he adds: "I love their omelet."
The City will undertake the process of seeking a new tenant for the Wharf 2 spot.
In another Monterey restaurant, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control revoked the liquor license held by Britannia Arms on Alvarado Street. The order was issued on Thursday, Nov. 21 and prevents the restaurant from alcohol sales indefinitely.
According to a statement issued by ABC, the charges resulted from management "operating a disorderly house which created a law enforcement problem."
ABC allowed a 180-day stay on the suspension to allow owner Paul Whitecross time to transfer the license.
Britannia Arms held a Type 47 license, allowing for the sale of beer, wine and spirits.
The Weekly was unable to reach anyone at the Brit on Friday morning to find out about their plans. It's unclear what's next for the restaurant and popular karaoke spot.
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