The Larchmont Grill is going through some changes, but not until the owners and staff enjoy a well deserved holiday break! The popular Larchmont Village restaurant will be closed December 24th – January 1st, re-opening on January 2nd.
The real change comes after the New Year. Larchmont Grill owners Mark Donofrio and Sean Bates have decided to sell the restaurant. The pair was approached by an interested party – and according to Donofrio, the timing seemed right. They’ve nurtured Larchmont Grill to be one of the Top 5 restaurants in Hollywood and selling now gives them a chance to leave gracefully and on top.
The new owners are 3 young restaurateurs. The transition is already in progress and the sale is likely to close sometime in mid to late January. Donofrio spoke about what a good fit the new team is – it’s been a very amicable process and the new owners are committed to retaining the Larchmont Grill staff.
The name of the restaurant will change to ‘The Larchmont’ and the new ownership team is expected to build on what Donofrio and Bates have built…putting their own twist on things.
As for Donofrio and Bates – they are looking forward to a little down time! Running a restaurant can be a 24/7 endeavor. After some time to travel and re-connect with things that they haven’t had time for as restaurant owners, both will embark on new projects. Bates has plans for a new restaurant project and Donofrio is moving full-time to his farm in Santa Ynez to focus on growing produce for local restaurants…and more. We’ll be able to keep up with Mark – his farm, his produce, his goats and more – by checking in regularly at his recently launched website TheStarterFarm.com.
Bates and Donofrio appreciate all of their customers – especially the regulars who have become their friends over the past six years. The Larchmont Grill has been a great neighbor…even making charitable contributions in the community through the popular Larchmont Grill Gives Back Program. The pair hopes that everyone will join them in the next chapter of their lives. And maybe every once and awhile, the new owners of the Larchmont Grill will invite them back for special guest events!
We’ll miss you Sean and Mark!