Veteran restaurateur Real Blaise, 83, is getting back in the game.
Back in 1958, Blaise opened an Italian restaurant called Pio in the Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza. Twenty years later, Pio became Cantina Real, a Mexican restaurant, which has since become a well-recognized fixture in the plaza.
Thirteen years have passed since he handed down ownership to his son and daughter, Steve and Joline. But with the property along the Strand and Pier Plaza up for sale since 2007, the restaurant’s future has been uncertain.
So Blaise decided a few months ago with his son Steve to open and operate a second location in Manhattan Beach.
“We don’t know if this property is going to sell,” Blaise said. “It’s listed and the last people that were going to buy it, they were going to kick us out. So now we’re not waiting for that.”
The new Cantina Real will be overtaking the space currently occupied by American Farmhouse Tavern & Dining Hall on Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach. Blaise said his restaurant will try to retain the 25 employees currently with American Farmhouse.
“They’re given the first choice to stay with us,” he said.
Blaise expects to close escrow in about 40 days and open doors as early as June 1.
“The Manhattan Beach location is gonna be a little different but not much,” he said. “I can’t tell you what changes right now, but they’re for the best.”
