July 15, 2026

Dear Editor,

Santa Monica has spent years talking about revitalizing the Pier, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs. Yet one of its most visible restaurant spaces continues to sit vacant while a project that could bring new investment, live entertainment, and more than 50 jobs remains stalled.

As founder of the California Roadhouse, Inc., my company has spent more than a year working with the City to open a California-themed restaurant and live music venue at 256 Santa Monica Pier. We remain prepared to move forward immediately. The question is: Why hasn't the City? ("City Ends Roadhouse Negotiations," July 8, 2026).

From our perspective, the remaining dispute is no longer about rent, construction, insurance, or the ordinary commercial terms found in a lease. It centers on labor-related provisions that we believe improperly extend beyond the City's role as a property owner and into matters governed by state and federal labor law.

Reasonable people can disagree about labor policy. What should not be controversial is the need for transparency, open dialogue, and good-faith negotiations. For months we have asked City officials to meet with us to discuss our concerns and explain the legal basis for these provisions. Those requests have largely gone unanswered.

Meanwhile, the costs continue to grow. A publicly owned property remains inactive. Prospective employees continue waiting for work. Local performers lose another venue. Nearby businesses lose additional customer traffic. Taxpayers lose the economic benefits that an operating business could generate.

This is not simply about one company. It is about whether Santa Monica is creating an environment where responsible businesses are encouraged to invest or whether prolonged political disputes will continue delaying economic opportunities for the broader community.

I appreciate Councilmember Lana Negrete for taking the time to hear our concerns directly. Regardless of differing views, that willingness to engage reflects the type of public dialogue residents should expect from every elected official.

The public also deserves greater transparency. Residents have a right to understand how these disputed lease provisions were developed, what role outside organizations may have played in shaping them, and why a project that could activate a vacant public asset remains at a standstill.

California Roadhouse remains ready to sign a lawful lease and begin work immediately. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for a fair opportunity to operate under the same legal framework that governs private employers throughout California.

Santa Monica deserves a thriving Pier, thriving local businesses, and accountable government. I hope City leaders will return to meaningful negotiations so this project can move forward and the community can finally realize the benefits that have been delayed for far too long.

Sean Ahaus
Founder
California Roadhouse, Inc.