BeachLife’s Sanford, Quality’s Jones plan lifestyle restaurant
by Garth Meyer
BeachLife co-founder Allen Sanford, and Quality Seafoods president Jeff Jones plan to open California Surf Club within the next two years in King Harbor.
The Redondo City Council paved the way for the project at its Tuesday meeting when it agreed in principle to a 10-year lease of the former Ruby’s and Chillers buildings to house the new venture.
The former Ruby’s will be a full-service, barbecue-based restaurant, while the old Chillers will become a multi-use “lifestyle” space – the two buildings connected by an open yard.
“The idea of going to a restaurant and not having to sit at a formal table, where you can hang out, and your kids can go play ping pong sounds like the future to me,” Sanford said.
On Dec. 12, the Harbor Commission approved a conditional use permit for the project.
“We look forward to this happening,” Harbor Commissioner Roger Carlson said. “I’m thrilled that it’s Jeff Jones and Allen Sanford, two long-time, proven local business owners. You couldn’t ask for better than that.”
Speaking in support of Sanford and Jones at the Harbor Commission meeting were Skechers CEO Michael Greenberg, the owners of Slip Bar, and Project Barley on the International Boardwalk, and former police chief Keith Kauffman.
Sanford and Jones plan a $2 million remodel of the two buildings.
“To connect them spiritually and design-wise,” Sanford said.
The former Chillers now serves as office space for the BeachLife festivals. It will be designed to offer music performances, art exhibits, games and meetings.
The Ruby’s kitchen will service both buildings. The California Surf Club would be public.
“Like the Seaside Lagoon model,” Sanford said. “Think of it like a huge hotel lobby and restaurant; it’s more of a hangout and a hub.”
Showers, bicycles and possible paddleboards will be available.
“It sounds like a place you can come in off the water,” Commissioner Carlson said.
Sanford and Jones initially sought a 15-year lease with the city.
“We understand the slow steps coming out of a 20-year time of tumult at the waterfront,” Sanford said. “We want to be a credible tenant and be there forever, but the first step is 10 years.”
The impetus for California Surf Club began with an observation.
“I noticed, there’s just no life down there. There’s just nothing,” Sanford said of where the two buildings are.
Neighboring Seaside Lagoon is closed eight months out of the year.
Jones, the son-in-law of Quality Seafood co-founder Pete Dragich, Jr., announced in May that the family-owned company leased the former Ruby’s, with plans to turn it into a “California barbecue” restaurant.
Sanford is also a partner in Primo Italia, and The Rockefeller restaurants in Riviera Village, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.
“Music, arts, community, events, sports, and enjoying sunsets – the California Surf Club will become the center of the waterfront,” Sanford said. “It will provide our community a place to gather near what we love most – the ocean and salty air.” ER