Post #765356 by kenbo-jitsu on Wed, Jun 22, 2016 10:09 AM

Article dated today (June 22, 2016) from the OC Register by Nancy Luna. Here is the link with the article's text following.

Famed tiki bar Royal Hawaiian making Laguna Beach comeback

Royal Hawaiian, the famed tiki restaurant that operated in Laguna Beach for 65 years, is making a comeback.

After closing four years ago, Royal Hawaiian is expected to return in mid-July under new owner, Mo Honarkar.

Honarkar is a wireless industry veteran turned restaurant operator. In 2015, he opened Pizza90, a fast-casual Neapolitan-style pizzeria, in Irvine. Pizza90 has another location in Riverside, and Honarkar plans to open a third later this year in Sherman Oaks, operations manager Eric Bostwick said.

Bostwick is overseeing the comeback of Royal Hawaiian, at 331 N. Coast Hwy.

Fans will see the same tiki memorabilia and themed cocktails as before, including the signature lapu lapu rum drink, Bostwick said. As for the food, expect a more modern flair. The restaurant has tapped Jonathan Pflueger to create the menu. The chef used to own Vertical wine bar in Laguna Beach, Bostwick said.

Francis Cabang of Laguna Beach opened the Royal Hawaiian in 1947. The locals-only hangout, a replica of a Polynesian hut, operated under the family until 2006. It was then bought by Doug Cole and Tom Yelenick. They made repairs and improvements while promising to keep the Polynesian style.

It closed in 2012, and Honarkar bought the property last year. He is also developing White Oak, a full-service Italian restaurant in West Hollywood. It is expected to open later this year.