LA HABRA : Restaurant Planned Where Club Closed

A building that used to house a loud nightclub is to be converted into an Italian restaurant under a proposal approved by the Planning Commission this week.

The Portofino Italian Restaurant--which will serve up to 300 diners at a time, including outdoor seating--is expected to open in mid-October, owners Nick D’Egidio and Tony DeLuca said.

“We’re trying to make it a European-style restaurant,” DeLuca said.

The building at 651 W. Whittier Blvd. used to house a nightclub and was damaged in 1972 and 1975 fires. It has been unoccupied for more than two years, city planner Carlos Jaramillo said.

Neighbors had complained about noise and other problems tied to the club, but D’Egidio and DeLuca said they have taken steps to improve relations with nearby property owners. “We are fortunate to be received and accepted as good neighbors,” D’Egidio told the commission.

Robert Coleman, who owns property next to the restaurant, said he and other neighbors have met with the new owners. “At this point, we’re completely in favor of the proposal,” he said.

Previous complaints were largely related to late-night disturbances. The commission has restricted operating hours, requiring the restaurant to be closed by midnight on weeknights and 1 a.m. on weekends.

D’Egidio offered no objections to the time limits. “We are really building a family restaurant and not a nightclub,” he said.

A dance floor is being removed to make room for more seating.