Pier Restaurant Owner, City Resolve Dispute

After two years of dispute, a settlement has been reached between the city and Hal Griffith, owner of Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar on the municipal pier. The two sides have been arguing about the proposed redevelopment of the the city’s prime oceanfront property, known as the Pier Bowl, parking and the expansion of Griffith’s restaurant. Griffith had claimed the city was trying to capitalize unfairly on his restaurant’s success, while the city countered that the businessman was trying to squelch competition.

The groups came to a general settlement last week, with a final written agreement expected within 30 days.

Under the settlement terms, the city will be able to move forward with a proposal to develop time-share units on Alameda Lane. The Redevelopment Agency will be able to restore and rehabilitate the 70-year-old Casa Romantica without limitations as to how the historic building is used.

The city and Redevelopment Agency will pay $550,000 to Griffith to settle all pending disputes and will contribute an additional $300,000 to assist in the expansion of his restaurant, which is on the city-owned pier.

After the restaurant expansion is completed, the city agreed to cap rents paid by the restaurant at $255,000 annually for four years and at $265,000 annually for the next three. In the eighth year, the rate will be based upon a sliding-scale formula. Griffith was also granted the right to extend his lease for an additional 12 years beyond a 2022 expiration.

“We are confident that this settlement will enable both sides to move forward rapidly in expanding the Fisherman’s Restaurant, improving the Pier Bowl and preserving and protecting the Casa Romantica to everyone’s mutual benefit,” City Manager Mike W. Parness said.