Tucson chef Steven Schultz has closed his Plaza Palomino restaurant, but it’s not clear if the closing is temporary or permanent.
A note on The New Red Sky and Luna Bar website stated that the restaurant at 2990 N. Swan Road in Plaza Palomino would be closed for several weeks “out of concern for your safety and comfort” due to construction at the shopping center.
“I apologize for the inconvenience, and look forward to being able to serve your dining and entertainment needs in the near future,” said the note, signed by Schultz.
Schultz did not return phone calls seeking comment and could not be reached. Officials with the eastside shopping center’s California-based management company R7 Real Estate said they had not spoken with Schultz as of Tuesday.
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“He’s a good guy; he’s a great chef. We honestly don’t know what happened,” said property manager Karinna Cassidy. “The attorneys are talking to eachother but we have no idea what’s happening — if he’s closing, if he’s relocating or if he’s going to work for someone else.”
Scott Douglas, a principal with Plaza Palomino’s new owner West Coast Capital Partners, said Schultz is substantially behind in his lease. Douglas would not elaborate and did not want to comment further because the situation could end up in litigation, he said.
West Coast Capital Partners took over ownership of the mall in late December after foreclosing on former owners LNR Partners LLC. In early May, the company embarked on a $3 million-plus renovation project that includes a new parking lot, new walkways and enhanced decks, and new signage.
Douglas said none of the work is being done near Schultz’s restaurant.
Read more in Friday's Arizona Daily Star
