The end of 2024 marks a transition point for multiple downtown Manhattan Beach businesses.
Pitfire Pizza
Longtime family favorite Pitfire Pizza, at the corner of Manhattan Beach Blvd. and Morningside Drive, closed its doors on December 24.
“We have experienced the deepest fulfillment serving you all for more than 10 years in Manhattan Beach and will miss being a part of this great community,” the store’s managers and staff wrote in a letter to customers.
“We’ve been in a relationship with you for a long time so feel obligated to share that the restaurant has thrived year after year, through highs and lows, and we owe that success to you. In spite of this consistency, our landlord made the choice to lease this space to a different restaurant a decision over which we had no control.”
Moving in to the space will be Great White, a casual “all-day cafe.” Great White currently has three other locations in the Los Angeles area, with a fourth location in Brentwood opening soon as well. Construction on the new location in Manhattan Beach is expected to begin soon.
Manhattan Grocery
Manhattan Grocery (the grocery store on Manhattan Ave. that operates opposite Manhattan Meats), is closing on December 30 after 21 years. Owners Heather and Matthew Kim held an impromptu party in the store on Friday night to thank their customers. (Editor’s note: Stay tuned for a story on the grocery items they gifted to families in need.)
Manhattan Meats will be taking over the lease of the entire space, according to Jill Lamkin, the executive director of the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business Professionals Association.
Presotea
“Serving the
Manhattan Beach community has been a true honor. Your support, smiles,
and shared love for tea and boba have made this journey unforgettable.
We are forever grateful for the connections and memories created with
each of you,” wrote the management team in a letter to customers.
The shop has additional locations in Torrance and in West L.A.
Lemonade
The cafeteria-style restaurant Lemonade, located on Manhattan Beach Blvd. across from Vons, has closed.
According to Lamkin, the space is currently for lease with no anticipated tenant.
