By Mary O’KEEFE

Montrose is getting closer to having two new restaurants soon … hopefully. The former site of Rocky Cola in the 2200 block of Honolulu Avenue has been vacant since the diner closed in 2012. In 2017, the space was acquired by restaurateur Tom Christopoulos who announced he would open the restaurant as Gus and Andy’s Montrose Grill. Since then, there have been permits submitted to the City of Glendale, requirements made and met, but no official opening date announced.

The most recent information from the city is that the owners have submitted an application and paperwork, and it has been reviewed and approved. There have been some “comments” from building and safety; however, they are also being dealt with by the owners, according to Jackie Bartlow, Glendale Economic Development coordinator.

The Pink Pig also appears to be a little closer to completing its permit process. The location at 2325 Honolulu Ave. for years had been the Montrose Bakery but changed hands after owner Henry Baeza retired in 2015. The restaurant then became Cafe Rose for a short time until the windows and doors were covered in white butcher’s paper and a small sign stating the Pink Pig would be opening.

“We issued an AU [administrative use] permit,” said Dennis Joe, City of Glendale planner.

The permit decision is pending until May 10 when it will be official. It appears construction has been approved and work is moving forward.

Even though the restaurants are moving forward in the process, there is still no official word of when either will be opening.

  Mary Okeefe