A Hawaiian-themed downtown restaurant has closed after a year in
business, but the Monterey Street property will not remain vacant
long.
Gilroy – A Hawaiian-themed downtown restaurant has closed after a year in business, but the Monterey Street property will not remain vacant long.
Hawaii’z Island Grill, at 7121 Monterey Road, closed down unexpectedly late last month. Owner Clinton Kaleikini could not be reached for comment.
Leasing agent John DeLong, with Vanguard Properties, said the restaurant occupied the downtown location for about a year, but declined to comment on the cause of closure. He said the site has already been leased to a well-known Mexican restaurant, Tacos El Grullense.
The local chain is moving one of its location at the corner of Seventh and Monterey streets to make way for the city’s future arts center. The city bought the land in July 2004 for $300,000. The .15-acre lot was the first the city purchased in its efforts to gather up 2.33 acres for the new facility, which will extend from Monterey to Eigleberry streets. The corner Mexican restaurant, now a morning gathering spot for local workers, will one day form the southern portion of the entry gardens for the arts center, scheduled to open in 2008.
In addition to its Monterey Street location, Tacos El Grullense has opened restaurants on First Street and, most recently, Tenth Street.
A manager or owner for the restaurant could not be reached to comment on when the Monterey street location would relocate to its new home a block south. DeLong said he “gave them the keys” Thursday.
He predicted success for the new tenants.
“They’re very sharp, very professional,” he said. “They’re going to do well.”
