Upscale restaurant to open in November

Restaurant • Gas Lamp has taken over the old Live Bait venue and is set to open at the end of November. Tracey Roman/Online Forty-Niner

 

By Jeff Au Spafford
Online Forty-Niner
Staff Writer

Two Cal State Long Beach alumnae have bought and are renovating an old nightclub into a new, ultra chic dining experience near their old alma mater.

Once known as Live Bait, at 6251 E. Pacific Coast Highway, this corner lot is home to the new bar and restaurant, The Gas Lamp.

Owners Alicia Shelton and Jennifer McDonald are transforming the rundown nightclub into a chic upscale American bistro, which will open at the end of November. From the ripped flooring to a new paint job, the restaurant will serve American bistro cuisine, ranging from appetizers and sandwiches to full course entrees. In the evenings, after 9 p.m., the Gas Lamp will begin carding at the door for the bar.

Eager to shed its preceding reputation of past venues, this 15,000 square feet establishment will be decorated with cozy and secluded booths, plasma televisions, comfy couches, spacious room for banquet dining, and an extensive patio for outdoor seating to accommodate its guests. Although there are no live performances, the Gas Lamp will play a mix of contemporary top 40 hits, R&B, and Hip Hop as entertainment.

"As owners and managers,' Shelton said.

"Everyday we're doing something like picking out wall color or hiring staff.' They work 10 hours a day, dealing with construction, decoration, and business legalities.

Working seven days a week, Shelton describes the hours as intense.

"But it doesn't even feel like it because we do so much. It's something we want to do.'

Shelton and McDonald stressed the importance of consulting with legal professions. "Legal advice is key. Use resources available and it's crucial to get strong [financial] support,' Shelton said.

Shelton and McDonald both graduated with a desire to teach. Shelton, originally from the East Coast, came out to California to teach. She worked at Mum's Restaurant in Downtown Long Beach for awhile. McDonald, an alumna of CSULB and Gamma Phi Beta, graduated and worked part-time at a restaurant. For a year, McDonald looked into opening a bar around Long Beach. As employees, they learned the tips and tricks of the trade. "[As] the boss, this is my chance to do it right,' Shelton said.

After working at restaurants, they were inspired and ready to open up their own business. Shelton describes opening a business as exciting. In their 20s and 30s, Shelton and McDonald, combined, brought 29 years of experience in the industry. They found the perfect location, the corner of Loynes Avenue and PCH.

McDonald's mother suggested the name, The Gas Lamp, like the district in San Diego, where McDonald is from.

"It is upscale, approachable, fun, and upbeat," Shelton said. "We look forward to being a long-standing positive part of the community."