Andrew Edwards
A judge on Wednesday ruled that the owner of a popular Mariner's Mile
restaurant that closed in January could stay on the property despite
his landlord's efforts to evict him.
The case was heard in Judge Michael Brenner's Santa Ana courtroom
Monday and Wednesday. James Bellino, owner of Margaritaville Mexican
Cantina, declined to comment after the ruling and said he would
release a written statement today.
Bellino's attorney, Michael York, could not be reached for comment
late Wednesday.
Bellino's landlord, identified in court filings as Marta Bhathal,
alleged that Bellino failed to pay increased rent and closed the
restaurant without authorization. Bhathal and her attorney, Jillyn
Hess-Verdon, also could not be reached.
Previously, Hess-Verdon said her client's ultimate objective was
to reopen the cantina.
Bellino purchased the restaurant last year and became responsible
for the lease in July. He closed Margaritaville in January.
In February, Bellino said he had not planned to sell or lease the
restaurant and did not intend to reopen Margaritaville under his
ownership. Bhathal filed suit days after Bellino's comments were
published in the Daily Pilot.
Margaritaville previously hosted meetings of the Surfrider
Foundation and was also frequented by Harley-Davidson riders. Shortly
before the restaurant closed, water-quality advocates and bikers
joined forces at Margaritaville for the inaugural Ride for the Waves
fundraiser, an event that raised $1,500 for the Surfrider Foundation.
Riders convened at Margaritaville for food, drinks and music after a
brief ride through Orange County.
-- Marisa O'Neil
contributed to this story.
