Irwindale : City’s Restaurant to Reopen

The failed city-owned Rapscallion Seafood House & Bar will reopen in October under new management and a new name.

The City Council is scheduled to take the final step toward the reopening tonight when it votes on a proposal to rename the restaurant Rimrock, in honor of its location on a rock-strewn freeway embankment.

New managers selected by the city are Abdul and Richard Rizk, who said they hope to make their restaurant a popular and profitable spot despite its past financial struggles. Former operator John Leonudakis sold his lease back to the city this year after reporting losses of $250,000 a year.

Part of the problem, city officials said, was the lack of day-to-day management from Leonudakis, who was based in Reno.

The Rizks, who also run a restaurant in Glendora, said that would not be a problem. “We will be there,” said Abdul Rizk. “We will make it one of the best places to eat.”