Legal Dispute Halts Operations At Famous Pismo Beach Shoreline Restaurant
PISMO BEACH, Calif. (KEYT) - A legal dispute has brought a halt to operations at one of Pismo Beach’s most well-known shoreline restaurants.
Before Ventana Grill built its more viral reputation, this was the site of the locally known Pelican Point restaurant and bar, where it was common for couples staying at the Shore Cliff Hotel to hold their receptions after getting married outdoors on the bluffs.
After an acquisition from The Old Custom House, Inc. and remodel to maximize the panoramic view from inside, Ventana Grill has been a popular all-in-one venue for weddings and events, booking guests for 16 years.
In 2023, a real estate transaction closed when an equity firm focused on hospitality acquired the Martin Resorts Collection, purchasing all of the land underneath Pismo Lighthouse Suites, the Shore Cliff Hotel, and Ventana Grill.
The purchase created a merger between the hotels, but the long-term lease for the restaurant extended until 2045.
As the new land owners began inspections of their newly acquired land, they discovered serious structural safety issues, stating the restaurant must shut down for a refit.
As the restaurant’s owner and operator, The Old Custom House filed a formal civil complaint against CCC in August of last year, a month after the new landowner gave notice to Ventana Grill to shut down the month previous.
Last month SLO County Judge Craig van Rooyen issued a ruling in favor of the landowner CCC, ordering Ventana Grill to shut down.
The restaurant’s last day of business will be this Saturday.
For couples who had booked their weddings at Ventana Grill in the coming weeks and months, this could potentially be a significant loss if they weren’t insured for cancellation.
BriteCo wedding and event insurance lead Brian Kelly sites this situation as an example of why engaged couples should seek both liability and cancellation insurance when planning their weddings.
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