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UPDATED: Royal Hawaiian Shuts Its Doors After 65 Years

The owner cites an oppressive city environment regarding the restaurant's live music permit.

*Updated with fresh quotes from Laguna Beach Planning Commission members Anne Johnson and Norm Grossman*

Laguna Beach Planning Commission members Norm Grossman and Anne Johnson, both of whom are cited below by Royal Hawaiian owner Doug Cole as being partially responsible for his decision to close his restaurant/nightspot, have each just spoken seperately to Laguna Beach Patch.

"It's too bad, because we always hate to lose a business," Johnson tells Laguna Beach Patch. "I did not know they were closing. I had heard they having financial problems. I'm sorry to hear they couldn't make it."

Regarding the noise complaints, Johnson says "we always have problems when residential and commercial areas are contiguous to each other. We had them with the Pottery Place, Mozambique, and Mosun when they first opened, so I was reluctant to let (Royal Hawaiian) have amplified music. They claimed it was just one neighbor who complained, but we had several complaints from the property manager and a couple of tenants. We had complaints from as far away as up the hill and across the street. We have noise ordinances in the city and it’s the Planning Commission’s job to enforce the rules. I’m surprised they didn’t appeal to the city council, because the council has the power to overrule any of our decisions. But they never did that."

“It’s sad to see any business close,” Grossman says. “But I think we make every effort to keep businesses in the city going.”

Grossman denied to Patch that he personally knows any of the people who complained about Royal Hawaiian’s noise levels.

“(Royal Hawaiian) requested the ability to do live music, and we gave it to them, with some conditions. We planned a six-month review, and during that time, we got a report they were in violation of their conditional use permit. What was critical was that it was a legitimate complaint, so we had to put them on notice.”

Grossman agrees with Royal Hawaiian owner Doug Cole's claim that one person did most of the complaining, but he says that the commission also heard from a nearby apartment manager who said that his tenants had complained to him, but were too afraid to come forward and file formal complaints with the city.

 

ORIGINAL STORY:

A jovial crowd of friends and regulars gathered around the bar Sunday night at the Royal Hawaiian, Laguna Beach’s venerable Coast Highway institution since 1947.

But the smiles were deceptive, despite the free beer and flowing . Instead, this was more like a wake—after 65 years, the Royal Hawaiian was closing for good. It served its last meal to paying customers the previous night.

Doug Cole, who bought the restaurant in 2006 from the children of the original owner and put several hundred thousand dollars worth of renovations into the business, blames his decision to shut down the Royal Hawaiian primarily on the Laguna Beach city planning commission, which restricted his live music permit. Bands that used to be able to play until 1 a.m. on busy Friday and Saturday nights were being forced to pull the plug at 11 p.m., which cost Cole the alcohol-and-good-time-loving crowds he needed to stay in business.

“I was losing at least $25,000 a month, and $15,000 of that was because of that one hour between 11 and 12 on Friday and Saturday,” Cole told Laguna Beach Patch Sunday. “I probably could have stayed open if I had that.”

“The loss of revenue hurt us beyond belief,” said General Manager Colleen Oyler. “The rent is very high, and that was a factor as well. The landlord would not budge on the rent.”

Oyler was taking the loss of the Royal Hawaiian pretty hard, her eyes welling up when asked to contemplate her next move.

“I’m OK, I’m good. I’ve got two kids—one going to college—but I always land on my feet. I’m a positive person.”

“The planning commission put me on probation because one person complained about noise,” said Cole. “The trouble is, she personally knows several of the people on the planning commission, so her complaint meant more than anything else. There's lots of cronyism."

Asked to cite who these commission members are, Cole mentions Norm Grossman and Anne Johnson. Laguna Beach Patch attempted to contact Grossman and Johnson via phone and email Sunday night for comment, but they have yet to respond.

“They’re going to say we were violating the noise levels, but we were not,” Cole says. “This business shouldn’t have even needed the music permit. It should have been grandfathered in, because there was live music here before I ever bought it. And there was no evidence there was a sound problem. Just because someone complains to the police doesn’t mean there’s a violation, but they were treating it as if there was. You can’t fix a problem that doesn’t exist.”

Fans of the Royal Hawaiian were throwing back one last round Sunday, and sharing some favorite memories.

“Part of me died when I heard the news it was closing,” said Jon Blanciak. “It’s like Cheers, everybody knows your name, and they treat you like family. There’s a legacy that’s being left behind. Part of Laguna is being taken out.”

Blanciak also took issue with the restaurant’s alleged noise violations.

“I live down the street and I walk here. I get within half a block, and you can’t hear anything. Maybe if the people complaining came in and had a drink, they wouldn’t have anything to complain about.”

Derek Gray, a Royal regular since 1996 who was “shocked and dismayed” upon hearing of the closure, says he’ll always remember the, ummm … interesting effect of the Lapu Lapu.

“One of my neighbors, this beautiful brunette, she and I walked in to the bar, we’re having Lapus, then I began licking her toes. What happened after that I can’t say, but it was a beautiful evening in Lapu Lapu land.”

Ronald Kaufman has been coming to the Hawaiian since 1960, a peak year in tiki bar culture.

“It’s a major loss, and leaves a big empty hole in Laguna Beach restaurant history. I’m going to miss this place, it has more atmosphere than most restaurants do.” 

As the Royal Hawaiian's final night stretched on and the crowd thinned, a reflective Cole was asked what he plans to do next.

"Recover," he said. "And find a job, now that I've lost almost everything I own."

Jennifer Morris April 23, 2012 at 06:08 pm
Nobody can make a profit serving a steak for $9 unless you want a piece of leather. I say good riddance to you!
Roger E. Bütow April 23, 2012 at 06:27 pm
steveg:
Once again, patiently, I meant that WELCOME mat deal as a metaphor, as a jumping off point, a concept for dialogue. I actually agree that the food had gone downhill at the RH, it didn't have the same funky albeit rundown ambience, I stopped getting hammered on anything, let alone saccharine sweet rum laced, umbrella drinks decades ago. Drunk in public is stupid, I've now gone almost 50 years without a ticket or accident in part because these places aren't my type of hangout, I take a cab or a ride from friends if even buzzed, I don't do rowdy anymore---But tourists (and some locals) want choices, want to kick up their heels and boots. Ever go to The Dirty Bird (Sandpiper)? Their "ambiance" is intolerable to me (I said to me Stevie, not necessarily you), it reeks of overflowing urinals, sweat and booze, the floors are sticky with ?? That's part of how they got their sobriquet (TDB). I stopped going there 20 years ago, but the City is inviting multinationals who are expecting multiple choices whether it's ersatz tiki surf bars, posh Japanese steak houses, or faux French pastries. Chacon a son gout, each to his own taste. For those who mention a free market and capitalist ventures, yes, let the quality of food and service determine a local business success or failure. Not capricious oversight chained to whimsy. That's what in question here, was the owner honest in his interview, were the City officials, or are there other causal factors undisclosed by them?
Kasey April 23, 2012 at 06:32 pm
Geez, Roger. Let it go. We get it!
Judy Livesay April 23, 2012 at 07:01 pm
Now the Great Banning Gods of Laguna Beach have succeeded in getting rid of the RH, I'm sure they will double their efforts to see Mozambique go next. I now spend Fri/Sat nights in the "quiet zone" watching LBPD's finest say gleefully, "I got another one!" when they find another fool parked in front of his own house sans sticker or whatever it is we are supposed to have while enforcing another stupid ban. If I hear anything it is the chinking of 30 pieces of silver (x5) they extract from all of us one way or another with fees, fines, passes, stickers, taxes, permits, etc. I'm over 65 but I have enough mind left to remember great rock & roll, the LBPD when they were good guys, not gestapo and when democracy still meant majority rule. The LBCC et al have turned into vultures in a feeding frenzy of small businesses and our basic rights. Years of living have taught me that it will soon be too late. Every bit of ground we surrender is ground lost forever. We are one by one hanging ourselves with rope the LBCC sells us and then they will ban rope.
steveg April 23, 2012 at 07:15 pm
roger - who knows what multinationals expect?
if some random "multinationals" happen to want a concert venue, there is nearby irvine amphitheater and if they want a late night loud dance club, there is nearby dana point or newport and if they want really cheap clothing, there is the relatively nearby LA garment district Laguna Beach is first and foremost for what our residents and homeowners want - and i suspect that is exactly what a LOT of multinationals (and any others visitors) want and come here for
LB local April 23, 2012 at 07:20 pm
Locals know that the REAL Royal Hawaiian was gone when the Cabang Family handed over the keys years ago. The new owner had a alternate biz plan that focused on the late night bar/music scene. He stated that the Royal Hawaiian always had music and should have been "grandfathered". Perhaps he refers to the acoustic piano stylings of owner JR Cabang at the Royal's annual Christmas party (prior to closing each year for the Holidays). Other than that, the Royal was never known as a club/dance scene and was true to founder Francis Cabang's vision of good food, friendly service and libation at a decent price.
But the format had indeed morphed into something utterly inconsistent with the decades established RH tradition and was unquestionably taking a toll on nearby residents. Incredibly sad to see it close. Sadder still to blame the City for taking into account the quality of life for Laguna residents in the adjoining residential neighborhood. When the Cabangs left, the only thing that didn't completely change was the name on the sign.
LB local April 23, 2012 at 07:26 pm
"If it works, don't fix it". They tried to fix it, and it never worked again. I hate to see anything close. But this wasn't the Royal Hawaiian anymore
Steve April 23, 2012 at 09:07 pm
There are many ways of reducing noise... Most bands just go nuts with no regards to sound level. A good sound technician can "Tweak" output of all instruments as well as the drummer using a multitude of different sticks that will reduce the noise. Blue Laguna closed, now Royal Hawaiian, who's next?
Mike Oxphat April 23, 2012 at 10:38 pm
The REAL Royal Hawaiian NEVER needed Amplified Music!! NEVER!! that was just for the Newbies that the New owners wanted to attract!! Got too big for their Britches! now look!! Should have left it the way it was!! The New Decor did not do that place any justice!! Felt like Newport inside!! No Thanks!!
Tara Preston April 24, 2012 at 04:52 am
I agree with you Anony Mouse. Royal Hawaiian died in 2006. RIP the cool, kitschy, crazy, fun, crowded, great reasonably priced food Royal Hawaiian of yesteryear.
Annie Hopkins April 24, 2012 at 01:06 pm
I am very sad to hear this. I am 54 years old and my parents have been taking me to the Royal Hawaiian since I was six months old. They would put me on the floor in an infant seat. We grew up eating at the Royal Hawaiian, knew all the waiters and waitresses. For special dates and occasions I'd always pick the Royal Hawaiian. Out of town friends would come to visit, you got it...we'd take them there to have dinner. So many wonderful memories of all my life. My parents now are 86 and 88 and live about an hour away. They can only get to Laguna when I can pick them up and bring them. I was planning on bringing my parents there Mother's Day Weekend for a long overdue treat for dinner at the RH. I know when it changed hands a few years ago, it definitely was not the same. Different atmosphere but the food was good although the prices went up. I'd still take my parents there for old times sake but we would dine early and try to leave before the crowds came. At any rate, the RH is part of my legacy in life. I will miss it terribly. Too bad =-(
Robin Wethe Altman April 24, 2012 at 01:59 pm
I never went into the Royal Hawaiian after the Cabang's left it. I heard that is just wasn't the same and I couldn't bare seeing that. Marilyn Cabang was my classmate all through grade school and high school in Laguna. I have fond memories of when she invited all the kids in our class to the restaurant to celebrate her birthday and then she danced the hula for us for entertainment. That's Marilyn for you! A party for her and SHE'S the one giving! Their family worked so hard to keep the restaurant going. I loved the service and the food! AND the atmosphere could not be beat. But, they deserve to have a break. The food business is hard and long. When I saw Marilyn on the Patriot's Day Parade route she said she reads my PATH blogs!!! Thank you Marilyn!!! Thank you for all you did to make the Royal Hawaiian what it was. I'm sorry the new people couldn't make it work but I will always miss "the way it was" boo hoo!!! Let's hope that when one good thing leaves, other good things will come. OXOXOX
jeannie richardson April 25, 2012 at 01:15 am
I agree with Robin. The new RH was not even remotely the same and we rarely went. It looked like a Polynesian Cocos. They changed EVERYTHING that was cool about that place and the only thing they had to really change was the food! And btw, the old RH didn't start having live music until the end, when JR was trying to pump some life into the place. We loved that place - I even waited tables there in the early 90's with Danielle Purcell(!). But I quit so that I could be a paying customer again. JR, Marilyn and their Mom, Doony understood and were thrilled that we loved it that much. So many good memories there and so many mai tais and rib/shrimp combos eaten there. Every celebration was at the Royal. I wish I could have eaten one more combo before it closed down. Maybe JR will come out of retirement and open a rib joint. Pretty please! Aloha and a hui hou!
jeannie richardson April 25, 2012 at 01:21 am
Maybe JR and Marilyn will buy it back and reopen it!
Bud April 30, 2012 at 05:28 pm
You know the city put a noise restriction of 55db on the Royal Hawaiian. Do they realize that waves crashing on the beach have a 70db rating , and that's 24/7? Are they going to fine the ocean and shut it down next?
steveg April 30, 2012 at 09:28 pm
there is a BIG difference between music, especially rock and roll, and ocean sounds - people pay UP for property near soothing oceans sounds - property near loud bars is almost always in much lower demand
further, If RH felt that their food quality, ambiance and prices just weren't sufficient to draw in enough paying customers to keep their doors open, and that they needed live music late at night to stay in business, then they could have also tried adding sound proofing along with lowering the amplification somewhat, just like Mozambique did the city simply enforced what the residents wanted and had the perfect right to ask - decrease the noise levels to be non-disturbing after 10pm - if RH couldn't figure out how to do that and stay in business, then maybe another business there will be able to
jeannie richardson April 30, 2012 at 09:45 pm
I would rather listen to 70 dbs of ocean sounds than 55 dbs of an 80s cover band.
steveg April 30, 2012 at 09:54 pm
ha, i'd rather listen to nails scratching a blackboard than an 80s cover band :)
C in LB May 1, 2012 at 09:51 am
Herein lies the real problem. Some contributors here do not like 80's music! How can we take any of their comments seriously then? In my humble opinion.
barry haun May 1, 2012 at 11:52 am
Went once after the remodel and never returned. It was like a bad facelift coupled with memory loss. Too bad, the original was wonderful but nothing stays the same forever. Fond memories do last a lifetime though.
Tiki Bob May 1, 2012 at 06:57 pm
The poor Royal Hawaiian just continued to slip and slip over the past 17 years. I did find it interesting that LB, with all it's restrictions, allowed the new owner to have a blue tarp covering the roof for nearly 2 and a half years. I understand that noise can be an issue but, as with other restaurant closings, there are probably more issues involved. I will miss the Royal Hawaiian but true Hawaiian/Polynesian/Tiki nature of the place seemed to move out years ago.
JN May 1, 2012 at 08:26 pm
Sad to hear about the RH. I hear some members of the city are now trying to get Nick's to close it's doors as well. The city members claim Nick's is too busy and it's hurting neighboring restaurants. How screwed up is the city of Laguna?
Stan Jacobs June 29, 2012 at 11:26 pm
I recall so many interesting night spots throughout Laguna Beach since the 1960s that were in business long before I ever set eyes on any of them. In fact many people would drive the distance from L.A. and North Orange County to enjoy those establishments. Complaints were few and far between then. What has changed? The inhabitants of the town. The difference of the locals from then and now is quite profound! It is becoming as boring and common as the people who are in control of it.
Rich Kane (Editor) June 30, 2012 at 01:38 am
Interesting insight, Stan. Thanks!
JAB July 2, 2012 at 01:43 pm
You are a complete AS#H@le!!!! You two are probable one of those people who drink their warm milk at 8PM and into beddie bye by 8:15 PM.
SM September 8, 2012 at 09:40 pm
I have resided in Laguna Beach for almost 10 years and recently moved. I'll return back when I'm 70 years old. Laguna may have the coastal beauty of the southern Mediterranean, but European it is not. There is absolutley no selection of socialized networking for my age group (late 20's to 40's). You see, elders, this is very important and should be categorized as relevant to growth of future generations. And yes, I do belive in a plot-like conspiracy in RH closure. The older people get, many times unhappiness ensues (I.e., not wanting to see others happy),
Saddened October 25, 2012 at 06:34 pm
Sad to see the Royal Hawaiian close. I've been eating there for over 50 years. BUT, when the new owners took over, things did change; mostly the ribs they've been famous for. Supposedly the chef changed the sauce recipe but when they first reopened the sauce was pretty much the same. The last few times I was there the pork wasn't the same and the sauce tasted like ketchup! As far as the music they had every right to have live, BUT again, it was so loud you couldn't talk to your dining companions. Live music is one thing, deafening is another. Maybe the previous owners will rethink their decision to sell and come back....
Matt Colver December 1, 2012 at 12:47 pm
I'm sorry to read the RH closed down. My favorite restaurant in the whole world for many years was the Royal Hawaiian. I always loved to eat there then walk down to Las Brisas afterward for coffee. I cashed out of California and moved to Colorado (The California I grew up in was gone) in early 2007. So I've only been back to the RH a few times since. I was looking forward to eating there this Christmas season when out to see family. Too bad it's gone. More of the California I knew growing up, is gone. I traded the beach for the mountains and haven't regretted it.
Inland Steve December 9, 2012 at 02:43 pm
My fiance took me to the "old" RH when we first started dating 11 years ago, and I loved it. She had been there many, many times over the years, first with her parents and then later with friends and family. Combo ribs and shrimp, and two pints of ono-ono dressing to go were our standard order. When the remodel started, we still went, dining under the roof with the gaping spaces between boards. As the remodel progressed, we could see that it was going to be a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT restaurant, but as long as the food stayed the same, we'd keep going. The last time we were in, the changes had just become too much. The prices too high, the TV too loud, the decor too sterile, and the dressing too different. Decided right then that we would not be going back. Too fond of how it used to be to accept this INO of the Royal Hawaiian. I'm sorry the new owners lost everything on it. Something tells me they should have renovated only enough to bring it up to code, and then left it the same as it ever was.
Bummed out local February 8, 2013 at 12:11 am
Can't believe it has been that long since it closed. I began going to the RH in 1982 on dates. The atmosphere was everything. The staff wore Hawaiian dress and it was the place to be. Mid 80's took my wife there and we had the Lapu Lapu. Super sweet super punch. The Ribs and Shrimp Combo was my perennial favorite till they sold. As was fair, we gave the new owners several opportunities to maintain our business. The decor became sterile, the food and drink changed way to rapid. Had an early day at the bar watching TV by myself. They had four TV's. People started coming including some of the new 'regulars'. The program I was watching got changed on me twice -- WT#$%? After the second time I was to move to watch my sports program, I politely asked the bar gal why was I being messed with. This loud mouth, white haired old man yelled across the bar that his program was more important. I walked up to this arrogant piece and his wife turned pale. True RH locals of lore never behave like him. I politely let him know that letting people like him into iconic locales will be the establishment's demise. That was my last time. Call it like it was. The music angle described for two hours a week is a patsy.

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