Mediterranean-inspired food with a focus on fire-roasted dishes may soon replace the higher-end Italian menu of soon-to-close Long Beach restaurant Michael’s on Naples.
“Another restaurant is buying the real estate and taking all the furniture, fixtures, the liquor license and opening up their restaurant called Bacari,” said Carl Dene, whose father Michael Dene opened Michael’s in 2007.
Bacari is a growing restaurant chain that currently has seven locations including restaurants in Sherman Oaks, Culver City, Silverlake and other spots.
Hostesses Angelica Montoya, left, interacts with customers as at Michael’s on Naples in Long Beach. It will close after 18 years at the end of the month.. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Michael Dene, center, talks with customers at Michael’s on Naples in Long Beach. It will close after 18 years at the end of the month. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
General Manager Massimo Aronne poses for a photo as at Michael’s on Naples in Long Beach. It will close after 18 years at the end of the month. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Jocelyn Jolley, a long time employee laughs with customers at Michael’s on Naples in Long Beach. It will close after 18 years at the end of the month. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Michael’s on Naples in Long Beach will close after 18 years at the end of the month. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Owners Carl Dene, left, Michael Dene, center, and General Manager Massimo Aronne, right, pose for a photo in front of Michael’s on Naples in Long Beach which will close after 18 years. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Carl Dene, left, and Michael Dene, right, owners pose for a photo as at Michael’s on Naples in Long Beach. It will close after 18 at the end of the month. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Chef De Cuisine Eric Samaniego checks a ticket as at Michael’s on Naples in Long Beach. It will close after 18 years at the end of the month. . (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Diners wait for a table as at Michael’s on Naples in Long Beach. It will close after 18 years at the end of the month.. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
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Hostesses Angelica Montoya, left, interacts with customers as at Michael’s on Naples in Long Beach. It will close after 18 years at the end of the month.. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
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“They’re also family operated and we’re really excited for them. I don’t know when they’re going to open but I know they’re going to renovate,” Dene said.
Located at 5620 E. Second St., Michael’s was on the leading edge of the farm-to-table concept when it opened. It quickly became a popular staple in the Long Beach dining scene and was highly rated on food sites like Zagat thanks to dishes such as lasagna, pizzas and seafood. Michael’s closure was announced on the restaurant’s Instagram page.
“As we pass the torch, we take comfort in knowing the same spirit and philosophy — centered on quality, integrity, and community — will live on. The company stepping forward shares our commitment to excellence, and we trust they will honor the values that have defined Michael’s on Naples for the past 18 years,” the restaurant’s Instagram post read.
Dene said the decision to close Michael’s wasn’t for an economic reason but rather a family decision since his father is in his 80s now and Dene, who lives in Northern California, would not be able to take over the day-to-day operations of the restaurant.
“I’m not really coming back to Southern California and with my dad being 85 this year it’s time to retire. Without me living there, being able to pass the torch to me, I said lets sell the real estate and do more stuff up here,” said Dene, who owns cafes and a pair of hotels in Northern California.
“It is sad for the community. We were hoping someone would buy it to keep it as Michael’s but that didn’t pan out,” he added.
Bacari officials didn’t return a call for an interview by press time and Dene did not know a timeline on when they would open the new restaurant.
Once Bacari opens people can expect dishes such as pan seared octopus, grilled pitas, lamb, shawarma tacos as well as Italian-inspired dishes like Tripoline pasta, according to the restaurant’s online menu.
Dining and Cooking