Grill Santa Rosa’s owner is asking the mall for more time as it looks to relocate. The mall exercised an option in its lease agreement giving the restaurant 30 days notice to move out.
Chef Ilyas Kara recalls the line out the Grill Santa Rosa’s doors over the holidays when many locals rediscovered his Mediterranean restaurant nestled in its spot to the left of Santa Rosa Plaza facing B Street.
Kara said business had picked up after the restaurant was reviewed by The Press Democrat on Dec. 24.
But the excitement was short-lived once Kara received a 30-day notice, dated Jan. 2, from mall management saying he would have to vacate the premises.
Although Kara’s current lease doesn’t expire until September of this year, the mall notified Kara it was exercising its “right to early termination.” The letter did not provide any further details.
Lease Termination letter received by Grill Santa Rosa’s owner Ilyas Kara.pdf
Kara said the letter took him by surprise given he’d been leasing the space since 2021.
“I don’t know what to do. I didn’t want it to happen like this, you know. And I’m a strong man, I came here in 2017 with luggage — nothing else. And I work hard,” Kara said.
Kara said that as of Wednesday he was trying to arrange a meeting with mall management to see if he can stay a few months longer.
“At least I need some time to manage and see what are my options — what I can do because I have people with me and I have family and this business is already getting better. So if I get some time, maybe I’ll be able to at least find another space and be able to get everything to continue with the business,” he said.
Simon Malls, which owns Santa Rosa Plaza, said it doesn’t comment on the details of specific leases.
It did provide a statement regarding a new tenant slotted for the space where Grill Santa Rosa is now.
”We are very excited to announce authentic Mexican restaurant Ah Huevo! to the community. This new restaurant offers the perfect place to wind down after shopping with delicious chilaquiles, tacos, enchiladas and more.”
With locations in Modesto and Stockton, this would be that restaurant’s first North Bay location. It’s not clear when it will open.
Other popular chain restaurants Dave & Busters and P.F. Chang’s both announced they would be coming to the Plaza by the end of 2025.
P.F. Chang’s will be located across the courtyard from Ah Huevo! After a delay, the Asian restaurant chain is now scheduled to open in late fall or early winter of this year.
It is unclear if the delay was related to the permit proposal from P.F. Chang’s to create a new driving lane with parking in front of the restaurant.
In the meantime, Kara said he is looking for a new location for his restaurant.
You can reach Staff Writer Melanie Nguyen at 707-521-5457 or melanie.nguyen@pressdemocrat.com. On X (Twitter) @mellybelly119