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TheBuzz
Erika Engle
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Matteo's to close temporarily
Award-winning
Matteo's Italian Restaurant will close temporarily for renovation, for about two months beginning June 1.
The timing of the closing and renovation coincides with the build-out of a cafe and wine bar in the lobby of the Marine Surf Hotel, where the restaurant is located.
"We'll put a sign out," said co-owner Jim Boersema.
Matteo's will use the time to replace some kitchen equipment and refresh the greater restaurant. More than 20 employees will be out of work in the interim.
Matteo's and sister-business Zanzabar Nightclub have been on the market since earlier this year. In the meantime, Boersema and his partners want to make sure the business remains strong, he said.
Once the build-out and renovation are complete, the plan is for Matteo's to provide lunch service for the cafe and wine bar, Boersema said.
Matteo's was sold in 2004 by longtime owner Fred Livingston, who purchased it from original owner, the late Matteo Jordan, in 1985. Jordan brought the upscale Italian restaurant concept to Hawaii in 1972.
Livingston sold Matteo's because its long-term lease was set to expire in October of 2004. At the time he was unwilling to enter another long lease because he was divesting himself of restaurant businesses.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Call 529-4747, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached at:
eengle@starbulletin.com