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Circa to Close; Simms Restaurants to Open New Concept in the Space

Sep 26, 2014 09:41AM ● By Mb News Staff
In a deal he says "made a lot of sense," Mike Zislis has reached agreement with Mike Simms, the South Bay's other most notable restaurateur, to close Circa in downtown Manhattan Beach so that Simms can open a new restaurant concept in the space.

“Circa was not for sale,” said Zislis. “However, Michael Simms approached me with a strong offer and an exciting new concept that will be a great addition to the Manhattan Beach dining community. The space that Circa occupies is the right location for this project."

The 100-seat Circa, a collaboration between Zislis, notable mixologists Julian Cox and Josh Goldman, along with Operating Partner Luis Villaneda, will close on Sunday, October 12. 

Simms' new concept is targeted for a mid-2015 opening in the approximately 5,000-square-foot space located at 903 Manhattan Avenue.

“Michael Zislis and I have a tremendous amount of respect for each other, and we are both dedicated to supporting and celebrating the dining community in Manhattan Beach,” said Simms. “We needed a special space for our new restaurant, and Michael Zislis had just the right location.”

Simms Restaurants include Tin Roof Bistro, and two Simmzy’s locations, one in Manhattan Beach, and one in Long Beach, with a third and fourth Simmzy’s coming soon to Burbank and Venice Beach. 

Simms Restaurants also includes partner restaurants Manhattan Beach Post and Fishing With Dynamite

The Zislis Group operates The Strand HouseRock'n FishBrewco and Circa in Manhattan Beach, along with Shade Hotel. The company is currently developing a second Shade Hotel in Redondo Beach. 

Zislis is also the driving force behind the rapidly expanding Rock & Brews restaurant brand, with KISS front men Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley as co-founding partners. The brand currently has eight locations and is rapidly expanding throughout the United States and Mexico.

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