COVER STORY

GLADSTONES’ GOLDEN ERA

Iconic restaurant celebrates the past, present and future

By Kamala Kirk Open since 1972, Gladstones restaurant is a Southern California landmark and institution that has stood the test of time. Owned by former Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan, the popular beachside establishment in the Pacific Palisades has built a reputation for high-quality food, excellent service and its commitment to the community. When COVID-19 first occurred, the restaurant and hospitality industries were immediately impacted, and Gladstones was forced to close its doors for two weeks, which turned into three months. “At the beginning of 2020 we were off to an amazing start, business was booming and we were poised to have a very successful year,” said Jim Harris, general manager of Gladstones. “Upon shutting down, we actually thought there was a chance we would not reopen.” A few months after initially closing its doors, Gladstones was ready to reopen and rebuild. When the CDC announced that restaurants could only operate outdoors, Gladstones – which has the largest outdoor patio for dining on the Malibu Coast complete with an outdoor bar – was able to continue serving customers and worked hard to maintain a sense of normalcy for guests and employees. “Despite fires, floods, El Ninos and global pandemics, somehow Gladstones refuses to give up,” Harris said. “The world has changed a lot, but we continue to embrace the tradition and legacy of hospitality, Southern California style!” While gearing up for Thanksgiving last year with hundreds of reservations booked, things started to close down again, but this time Gladstones decided to remain open through the shutdown and launched its successful Bring Your Own Blanket (BYOB) program. “Guests would pick up their meals at the entrance and picnic at the beach out front,” Harris said. “Staying open was really helpful as it allowed us to pivot back to

PHOTO BY LUIS CHAVEZ

was a volleyball legend and ran the parking lot out front in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Shane’s dad, Dane, is an Olympic beach volleyball coach who trains future hopefuls in Santa Monica. We have taken the image that Shane took and made it our symbol of the past and the present, coming together to give us positive energy as we move into the future.” Harris added that the incredible team at Gladstones is the other big reason why the business has continued to thrive year after year for almost half a century. “The people that make this venture possible include our Popular beachside establishment Gladstones, which turns 50 next year, is known for its managers Alex Peniston, Paul fresh seafood menu and has the largest patio for outdoor dining on the Malibu coast. Williams, Vivian Escamilla and Felipe Ortega,” Harris shared. full service when they surpris- off Memorial Day this year, pher Shane Selsnick, a young “Our tireless and passionate ingly reopened the world in Gladstones will host its third Gladstones employee, shot a chefs: Juan Aquino, Eric VelasFebruary. Since then, we have Annual Oceanfest on May 29 picture of Truey Reise, another quez, Rolando Mejia and been following all of the local and from 3 p.m. to sundown. The team member, riding a wave out Benjamin Diosdado, as well as an state health ordinances and event is family-friendly and free front with Malibu in the back- amazing group of servers, protocols, and making the best of for the entire community, and will ground. bartenders, bussers, runners, the situation. We were thrilled to be held on the restaurant’s new “We have the good fortune to cooks and dishwashers, many of have the support of our friends extended patio. Event sponsors have some of the nicest team whom have been here for and fans throughout the pandem- include Gilly’s American Lager, members ever who went to the decades. Most importantly, we ic. Now as we are on the verge of and Gladstones will feature local schools and grew up surfing would be nowhere without our returning to a normal life this tropical tiki drinks showcasing the point out front,” Harris team captain and fearless leader, summer, it is our pleasure to serve Diplomatic Rum. In addition to pointed out. “We call them the Richard J. Riordan. His love of the community that has supported live entertainment, full food and ‘Beach Boys’ and they are a this city and the community that us through thick and thin!” drink menus will be served pleasure to have on the team. Gladstones represents is unparalGladstones’ fresh seafood has throughout the day with tropical Shane is a talented photographer leled. Thank you, Mayor!” always been its hallmark, and a specials to complement the and certified Gladstones legacy. For more information, visit decades-long relationship with occasion. His grandfather, Gene Selsnick, gladstones.com Santa Monica Seafood and other purveyors gives the restaurant access to the freshest and most ethically sourced products for guests. From Raw Bar Towers piled high with shrimp and shellfish to steaks, chicken and many delicious vegetable options, Gladstones’ menu has something for everyone to enjoy. “Enjoy a Pina Colada served in a coconut or a Mai Tai served in a pineapple by the fire in our Tiki Garden dubbed the “rum haven” for the sunny months ahead,” Harris said. “We will be featuring surf rock aficionados The Royal Rats as they bring their sunny vibes to Sunset Beach, and there may be a few surprise guests PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROYAL RATS “A staple for our longtime guests along the way, like members of is the Gladstones’ clambake with the LA Giltinis Major League crab legs, lobster, linguica Rugby team and their Gilly Girls sausage, seasonal vegetables and cheerleading squad!” a bushel of clams served family Gladstones is also unveiling its style in a large steamer pot,” latest run of newly branded Harris said. “This dish really apparel on Memorial Day, which takes you back to a simpler time will include plenty of soft, comfy here on the golden California sweatshirts and retro colors to coast.” help guests remember their time Aside from making it through at the beach. The process of the pandemic stronger than ever, creating a new logo was truly a To kick off Memorial Day weekend, Gladstones will host Gladstones has much to celebrate. collaborative process that its third Annual Oceanfest on May 29 which will include 2022 will mark the restaurant’s included the help of several live music from surf rock aficionados The Royal Rats as 50-year anniversary, and to kick employees and friends. Photogra- they bring their sunny vibes to Sunset Beach.