Monterey restaurant sold after abrupt closure

Monterey restaurant, the upscale eatery that opened to much fanfare nearly two years ago, closed its doors on Nov. 28 and was sold after struggling amid a tough economy, sources said.

With its Manhattan-meets-South Beach flair, Monterey was considered Long Beach's latest hot spot and owners Christopher Leone and Robert Stevenson, both Long Islanders, aimed to attract New York City and local diners with its California-influenced cuisine. The restaurant, located at 20 West Park Ave., boasted a newly renovated white façade, along with trendy blue lighting and expansive glass-front doors that gave Monterey a Miami nightclub vibe.

“They really wanted to succeed there and they put a lot of money into it,” said Warren Vegh, executive director of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. “They were always hospitable and liked to work with the community. They were always very generous and looking at different types of ways to succeed there.”

Vegh said that when the Long Beach High School wrestling team clinched the New York State championships last year, Monterey donated the venue and food for the celebration.

The restaurant opened to mostly positive reviews — The New York Times awarded it with a favorable “Good” in 2009 — with some diners saying that the prices were too high for certain dishes while others raved about the service and cuisine.

“People said they loved it — they loved the Sunday buffet,” said Joe Ponte, a local realtor.

Sources said the restaurant had been for sale and was purchased by a local restaurateur last week. Before the sale was finalized on Dec. 13, Monterey was forced to cancel holiday parties and other events that customers had booked in advance.

“There were a lot of parties that were booked, but they did the right thing and told people they were closing,” Vegh said.

Monterey, sources said, was paying $10,000 to $15,000 a month in rent alone. With roughly 4,000 square-feet of space, some sources said that the restaurant had struggled amid a tough economy, had made some early missteps after its initial opening and, while it had a large following, did not draw enough customers to meet its high overhead costs. Co-owner Robert Stevenson did not wish to comment, and referred calls to the new owner.