Paul Mance with his twin sons James, and Paul, at the closed Pitcher House July 29. Photo by Garth Meyer
by Garth Meyer
The Pitcher House bar has been open in the South Bay since 1951, across two locations, until it closed July 20.
Owner Paul Mance grew up at Mickey’s Deli in Hermosa Beach, his father and uncle the second generation to run it.
Mance co-owned and managed the Pitcher House on the second floor of Redondo Shores Shopping Center for 23 years.
“The landlord took a total turn of attitude,” he said.
“Business was going good, going strong,” Mance said, then the pandemic arrived, followed by a month-to-month lease starting last October, after the property owners, Haagen Co. (Los Angeles), began a multi-million dollar exterior remodeling of the shopping center, putting new fronts on all of the stores.
“‘You’re kind of a dive bar, you don’t really fit here,’” Mance said he was told. “We were a dive bar, people liked that theme.”
The rent was $12,700 per month; across the corner from Whole Foods and kitty-corner above “Frou Frou.”
Last October, the landlord asked Mance to take things down off of the walls.
“Get rid of the dive bar-look and make it upscale and trendy,” Mance said. “We gave everything away, to our loyal customers. People put their names in for what they wanted.”
French doors were slated for the entry to the new patio out front, which is now almost complete.
Interior work was done too, paid for by Mance.
“We put in a new floor, took out the sub-ceiling over the bar, upgraded the bathrooms; we did what they wanted us to do,” he said. “All while we were open.”
The agreement, Mance explained, was that he would pay for the $120,000 in interior work and in exchange, Haagen Co. would keep the rent at the same rate for three years.
The landlord began to list the space for lease in March of this year. In the same month, Mance and his business partner, Pat Estabrook, were about to meet Haagen’s architect at the bar when Paul got a phone call from Estabrook’s wife saying he had died of a heart attack.
On July 16, late on a Wednesday afternoon, Haagen’s vice president of leasing, Greg Bradbury called, with Don Kelley, president and chief financial officer, on the line too, to say there was a leak in the kitchen.
“You can’t operate. You are going to have to be out by Sunday,” Bradbury said.
“For good?” Mance said.
“For good.”
Aftermath
Mance and The Pitcher House are now moving out. Helping are his twin 23-year-old sons, James and Paul, who both have worked at the bar.
“I was totally overwhelmed. Totally upside down,” said Mance. “I notified my employees. Sunday night (July 20) was the last night.”
“I have 32 kegs of beer and 400 pounds of chicken wings. I’ve called the food bank, the church/homeless shelter on PCH… The guy that bought the old Poop Deck got the ice machine. I called the jukebox guy, DIRECTV, Lotto… The Pitcher House had a great run, since 1951, and now finds itself out in the cold because of changes in the cost of doing business… I’ve always paid my rent, for 23 years.”
Will he reopen at another location?
“I own the liquor license, so I want to put it somewhere,” Mance said.
He and his sons are looking.
Landlord’s view
“Paul surrendered the premises,” said Don Kelley, Haagen Co. president and chief financial officer.
“We were doing a big remodeling, and, frankly, the Pitcher House was more of an adult (establishment). We wanted something a little more family-oriented. We negotiated an amicable parting. We have nobody lined up for it.”
Kelley said the Pitcher House was on a month-to-month lease for the past nine months.
“No agreement was ever signed,” he said.
Mance did pay for the interior upgrades?
“That’s typical of landlords to have tenants upgrade interiors. It wasn’t complete,” Kelley said.
“We were negotiating an extension on the lease and it never happened… We haven’t forced anything. There’s no lawsuit, he surrendered possession.”
“There were leaks, causing damages to tenants downstairs. (Mance) wanted to put a seal-coat in which was not sufficient.”
The former tenant now has until Sept. 2 to fully vacate.
“We have given Paul 45 days. That’s the time period now,” Kelley said. “We were trying to close him before the (July 20) weekend, but he wanted (that Saturday) because of some big MMA fight.”
Roots
Mance first opened at Redondo Shores Shopping Center as “Paully’s Upper Deck” in 2002, before the owners of The Pitcher House joined forces with him after it closed at the St. Rocke building, in 2005, following 54 years at the location – a former bank for which its vault was converted to a walk-in cooler.
The Pitcher House at the original site was owned and operated for its last 20 years by the late Gary “Tootie” Cullen.
“Where am I going to go? The poor house, not the Pitcher House?” Mance said of today’s situation.
“The Hulk (Hogan) just died. He was younger than me and in better shape.”
“I think they’re trying to bring someone else in,” he said, referring to the space being listed for lease, first showing it to prospective new tenants in the spring of 2024. All the while, Mance said Haagen Co. gave him a proposed lease to continue.
“(In the end) I felt like an 18-year-old kid, the day you turn 18, you gotta go.”
Mance contends that between January and June 2025, sales dropped $189,000 vs. last year because it was “nothing but scaffolding out front, plastic, jackhammers. No lights, blacked out, no sign. ‘Are you even open?’ I tolerated it for six months, believing I’d have a nice patio. As soon as the patio was done, they kick me out.”
It followed another financial event.
“$110,000 in October to my ex-wife,” Mance said, one half of a forensic accountant’s appraised assessment of the value of the business.
He now has a month to clear out all of the furniture and equipment from the bar. All food and liquor is to be removed by this Sunday.
“What am I going to do with 30 T.V.’s? I don’t even watch the one I have at home,” Mance said.
Locks will be changed Aug. 4.
“Respectfully, can I get a key, to sell my pizza oven?” Mance said.
“It wasn’t a fair farewell,” he said. “We deserved better, we really did.”
“Why make me put all of this money into the place when they knew I would get booted?”
Haagen company lists the space available for lease with a rendering of a “Draft House,” including a refined, open-air patio at front.
“He was operating on a month-to-month basis,” Kelley said. “We were working with Paul, trying to find people to buy the business from him.”
“I brought in several potential partners,” Mance said. “They kept changing the goalposts. We were looking at both options; bring in a partner and I keep running it, or sell it; to recover our losses. It was fight or flight.”
Was there a chance The Pitcher House could have stayed at Redondo Shores Shopping Center?
“Yeah, there was a possibility. Sure,” Kelley said. “They’d been our tenant for a long time.”
Had Mance done the interior work/made the changes Haagen wanted?
“They’d done some of it. If you look at it, it was subpar,” Kelley said. “It wasn’t anything exciting at all.”
Haagen Co. now waits first for the food and alcohol to be removed from the premises.
“I want it out so we can get our contractors in to fix the leaks,” Kelley said.
“The Pitcher House is gone now,” Mance said. “Unless I find a home for it.” ER
I agree with your sentiment, Mance was bamboozled…
Sad, Sad News Paul..Another institution lost to gentrification..As you know, I lived next door to “ Tootie” for 15 years..he died a horrific, painful death..All you guys have poured your hearts, souls..your lives into our community..” Keep Hermosa, Hermosa “ ?? Pfft! If anyone can rebound it’s you & your boyz! Legends Always Have A Following..OUR community will continue to support you..to the next location..You’ve given many of us a lifetime of Laughter & Memories..Godspeed My Friend! “
This sounds like Haagen Co completely railroaded Mance and sons. They were coming to an agreement and Haagen messed Mance over.
I was deeply saddened to read about the closing of The Pitcher House after 74 years in Redondo Beach. Paul Mance and his family have always exemplified integrity, community spirit, and resilience.
Having personally helped open the bar when it was known as the Upper Deck—and even celebrating my 40th birthday there—I’ve seen firsthand how Paul transformed a challenging location into a thriving venue, consistently generating revenue for the landlords. His substantial improvements and commitment over the past two decades undoubtedly increased the property’s value.
It’s disheartening that after years of dedicated partnership, the landlords haven’t recognized Paul’s contributions by fairly reimbursing him for those significant improvements.
I sincerely hope Paul finds a new location soon—I know many of us will be eager to support him again.
Damn shame…Paul deserved better…I will not be supporting any business in that plaza…
The Mance family are legendary entrepreneurs in the Beach Cities and it is a shame for the property owner to treat them, their business, and their customers with no gratitude for the many years of good tenancy. Plus, who better to consult with than Paul to keep the center with a “feeling and vibe of Redondo Beach?”
It is time for a Mickey’s run for dinner!!!!
I have known Paul and his family for years; he is a very honorable person. The deck of the Pitcher has been under construction for a very long time and that cuts into his business, due to a very large space for outside dining. From reading this article I truly feel that Haagan Co had zero indentions of upholding the agreement. He paid $120,000 out of pocket then gets the rug pulled out from under him, while he went in good intentions. I feel that Paul would have a very easy law-suit on his hands if he should decide to go that route.
I agree with you. He should talk to a lawyer about his situation. The landlords sound like horrible people. Nance needs to be reimbursed.
It appears the landlord owes Paul Mance a full reimbursement of his “renovation expenses.”
No one renovates their business space, pursuant to the landlord’s DEMAND, thinking they are about to be evicted! This is clear DECEPTION – and it looks to me as though the landlord CEO AND CFO COLLUDED to get Mance to clear away the “clutter” I.E. valuable sports and entertainment memorabilia under the perception that Mr. Mance would be remaining as the tenant. That is flat out DECEPTION on the Landlord’s part!
Mr. Mance’s renovation requirement – only to promptly be booted from his space – is also PREMEDITATED DECEPTION, as it is reasonable to conclude that the scum Landlord had full intentions to evict The Pitcher House owner, Mr. Mance, while having Mr. Mance pay for the cleaning and renovation himself.
I wonder if the Landlord was the party who drug their feet to revert the Lease to the 3-year contract. If so, it adds to the case of DECEPTION AND COLLUSION.
I hope Mr. Mance has a good litigation attorney and the Landlord PAYS for the errors of their ways!!!
I agree.
From reading the ER article, the Landlord’s actions in working with Paul defy description!
What happened to the Covenant of Good Faith and Fair dealings working with Tenants?
Paul makes every effort to address landlord’s improvement requests at great expense not only for costs related to improvements but loss of business in anticipation of a lease extension; instead he receives a termination notice??? After running a successful operation for well over a decade honoring Rent obligations and Terms of the Lease???
As represented, at a minimum, Landlord’s reimbursement of all costs mentioned in the article should be addressed to Paul/Pitcher House/Upper Deck’s satisfaction.
Paul you will be successful going forward in whatever you do.
The outpouring of support from your friends, associates and Customers speaks to your professionalism, integrity and work ethic.
We stand by awaiting your next adventure…one door closes…a bigger one opens.
Very Best
Don
This land lord has been very mean to long time tenants. As a result I will no longer visit Whole Foods or the Pet Store. I will continue with Paneda Express and Coyote Cantina for now.
Just curious why you’re making those exceptions?
Pitcher House is/was a staple of the South Bay. It’s a shame what the landlords are doing.
I worked with paul in the 70s at mickeys. Great work ethic. His bar was an asset to the area. A place to go and watch a game/ mma fight or just chill and have a bite. Too bad corporate greed took precedent. Paul will land on his feet and he and his boys will thrive!!
I was both a patron and a worker at Pitcher House for over 10 years, and I can honestly say it was one of the best places in the South Bay. Every night had a buzz — we were packed for UFC events, always full of energy, and full of people who genuinely loved being there.
We pushed through the struggles after COVID, doing everything we could to keep it alive. But when the property manager forced those renovations, it stripped the soul right out of the bar. Pitcher House wasn’t just a business — it was a community, and that’s something the developers just don’t understand. The South Bay is built on small businesses, not corporate visions.
I’m hoping Paulie finds a way to bring it back somewhere new — and if he does, there’s a good chance you’ll see me helping out again.
I agree. This landlord is greedy and a bad guy.
Disgraceful actions from the landlord. Pitcher House is a South Bay institution and a wonderful family owned business that is embedded in the very fibers of the South Bay. Shame on this property manager for this. This was part of the very identity of our beach community. I am beyond outraged over this. Don’t chase out our local family businesses!
Now I’m not sorry I moved to Texas. These people and my 49er friends are all I really miss….except the beach of course.
I have known Paul for many years and he is a good man who pours his heart and soul into the Pitcher House. He has always been a champion for the community, always being there to open his doors for charity events, donations, the occasional get-together for our sports teams. He employed locals. This wasn’t a dive, it was the quintessential local joint. It was for those of us who didn’t want to deal with the overpriced drinks and crush of people in the Riviera and other beach cities.
Now it’s gone. Some condescending out-of-town landlord didn’t see it fit into his idea of what’s right for Redondo Beach. He wants a restaurant to complement the upscale classiness of Michaels, Subway, and Panda Express. Gentrification at its finest. I look forward to a revolving door of boring try-hard restaurants in that space for the coming years. They miss what kept Paulie’s door open for decades. Paulie will land on his feet. He always does. This is a shame and a travesty for Redondo Beach.
True. That spot will fail because locals will not forget how the landlords treat us. Screw him and his greed. He is ruining our hometown and no one wants it. But the landlords sound is blind t and doesn’t care about locals. He only wants money. Karma will come for him.
As a local family with young children, Pitcher House struck the perfect balance… an easygoing place to unwind at night and a welcoming spot for Sunday football brunch with the kids. Shame on you Haagan. The excuse that it “wasn’t fancy enough” is not just hollow; it’s wildly out of touch with the community you claim to serve.
These days words like honor and honorable get tossed around like worthless wooden nickels, but in this case these words are the very essence of Paul. I’m saddened to see this happening to him and his family. I’ve always been proud to call him my friend. My sincere best wishes moving forward.
Paul Mance didn’t deserve to go out like this. The fact that it was a dive bar (with a leak) in an upscale neighborhood shopping center (anybody complaining about Naja’s Place on the Boardwalk? I think not) was a poor excuse to shut down the Pitcher House. Paul and his staff put in long hours and tried hard to keep the prices down. He even remodeled, but evidently not to the standards of the lease holders. Something could have been worked out. And if nothing could be worked out, give him a few months to leave with some dignity. The Pitcher House was an institution in the beach cities. This closure was just bad all the way around.
We are so sorry to hear about the closing of The Upper Deck.
The Mance Family has always been so kind and welcoming — we loved stopping in for dinner and being greeted by Paul or one of the friendly, charming twins.
The corned beef sandwiches were to die for, paired with a nice cold beer — our Friday night ritual. We knew so many of the patrons and staff; it always felt like an extension of our own family.
We will deeply miss this wonderful family and special place. Thank you for all the memories.
— Julie, Kira & Jake
Am sorry to hear this but Mr Paul should definitely demand the landlord for all the spending money to remodel the place and all the food and all the things that Mr Paul give away that’s make him louse a lot please Mr Paul take actions against the landlord that’s my opinion I hope you find a better place to start again God bless you God have mercy for you
I didn’t really know Paul or the Mances like some of you, but it’s clear that he has a lot of community support which I hope brings him a bit of comfort in this frustrating time.
On the other hand, I did know the Pitcher House very well. I’d stop in there every so often when my wife went to Whole Foods. It was win-win for the two of us — I got to get a beer, and she didn’t have to listen to my witty and keen observations about how that Whole Foods is too small, how it’s always way too crowded, and how it’s honestly kind of run-down (especially for a Whole Foods). I’d usually follow that up with a whole schtick about how the Whole Foods house brand ruins everything it touches by taking something good and normal like potato chips and then doing something weird like putting quince or ube or yard kale in it. Needless to say, Pitcher House has been nothing but a positive influence on our marriage.
I cannot wait to go to the new Pitcher House when it opens. Hopefully it’s very soon!
The Pitcher House Was and is a Hermosa/Redondo institution and just like all the powers that be, substitute The locals long running establishments into the Ground for corporate profits disguised as progress. Paul Mance is a great friend that i met through my other great friend Gary Cullen, and our relationship is more like a brethren. Before the Upper deck Pitcher House began it’s Tenure at the said location, It was what we call in the entertainment business “A Dead Hole” the previous tenants The Australian Bite was a blip in time before Paul Made the venue identifiable. Only time will tell when a new tenant comes in and fails, so be it.The Upper deck Pitcher house has something any new occupant won’t have, that is a 74 plus year loyal following.SMH
Very disappointing news to hear the forced closure of the Pitcher House. Does the landlord not understand the historical value to the community … apparently not. No doubt another example of slippery business practices.
I have known Paul for 40 years and he has always given his best to the south bay. Clearly this is a loss to the entire community.
Best wishes to Paul and his boys.
Very sad that Haagen developers would do this to an obviously cherished local community gathering place for all—including families. And worse that they took advantage of Mr. Vance. I hope a local attorney will help him sue at a low cost. The remodeling has been damaging to the businesses there and noise for us neighbors but hoped it would be worth it. It is not. It is all bland looking and worse it is no reason to treat the current business in such a heartless manner. Haagen also closed Coyote Cantina nearby, I wonder what that back story is too. At a minimum they seem to be clueless about the residents.
Best Bar i ever went to Hands Down! ! I went there several times after work with co-workers from
GTE/Verizon and it was Always Good Vibes! considering i worked in Santa Monica, Redondo Beach
Malibu & Santa Barbara over 15 years IT was ALWAYS the coolest, friendliest place & for a supposedly
“dive” bar it was heads & shoulders above any i frequented in cool people, atmosphere, friendliness
& fun & don’t forget FOOD. The tacos were to die or in my case drive (!) for!! BEST to ALL!