LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Beach Food Lease Shouldn't Go to Inexperienced Owner

Deborah Kravits was planning to purchase the Kahuna Beach Grill, but another buyer, Martin Fox, . Council approved the lease against the advice of city staff in a 3-2 vote. Kravits sent the following letter Friday.

Dear Mr. Townsend, 

My partner and I have been in constant contact with both the real estate broker and the city of San Clemente over the past weeks with regard to the Kahuna Grill concession stand in North Beach.

My partner is an award-winning small business owner, and a recognized expert in the Demming management system. I am a local chef and caterer, and the Top Alumna of the Decade from my culinary school.

Over the past few weeks, we have compiled a five-year pro-forma, income and expense statement, including increased revenue estimates and and detailed local and national catering clients that we have performed for over the past year -- all work to outline our plans for taking over the Kahuna Beach Grill and making it successful.

We were advised by a staff member of City of San Clemente not less than a week ago, that the bid by the current owner's friend Martin Fox would be rejected at the Council meeting July 3.

Based on that information (public record via the published agenda for the City Council),  we kept our silence. Taking a slight sigh of relief, we requested a tour of the facility and a look at the existing equipment to take place on Tuesday, July 10.

This "due diligence" survey would be a sign that local, professional, and experienced culinary professionals would be working at the North Beach concession stand.

Imagine our shock when an inexperienced, friend of the failed lessee captured this city contract without a competitive bidding process. 

How does this work for those of us who are committed to the success of our community, live in town and want to see underutilized gems prosper?