Puck Tales

Malibu’s Most Wanted: Wolfgang Puck Rekindles Rumors About Beachside Concept

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Puck Photo: BetsyWeber/Flickr

Seven years after closing Granita at Malibu Colony Shopping Plaza following its fifteen year run, Wolfgang Puck is at the center of uncertain rumors that he may come back to Malibu. The Malibu Times reports that Puck is back in talks with local real estate and Oracle mogul Larry Ellison to take over the unoccupied space that neighbors Nobu Malibu for a seafood-specific concept of his own. The rumors stem from a forthcoming Haute Living article glimpsed at last week by Eater that finds Puck planning “great seafood simply prepared…but of high quality.” The chef admits he backed out of his plans for the same project about a year ago but then confirms, “We’re talking again. We’re in the early stages.”

Talk of Puck’s return to Malibu in a partnership with Ellison is nothing new. In 2011, this same Malibu publication reigniting today’s talk reported that both Nobu and a new Puck concept were slated to open on the Malibu Pier. Of course, that loose talk wasn’t 100% wrong, as Nobu did bring his stunning new sake box of a space to Carbon Beach in the months following, leaving a mirroring space next door that would be better for Puck than any crusty old pier.

Puck currently claims his newest northside vision will manifest in a restaurant that’s on the beach, leading many to assume he will take this Nobu-adjacent space, despite no specifics or company contact pointing to a takeover there.

So at this point, the rumors are just rumors, with a strong sign that Puck is brewing up something in The ‘Bu, be it next to Nobu or in less competitive climes. One thing that’s for sure, there’s still no sign of Thomas Keller waiting in the wings to bring French Laundry anywhere close to the Malibu sands.

Wolfgang Puck reignites Malibu restaurant rumors [Malibu Times]

Malibu’s Most Wanted: Wolfgang Puck Rekindles Rumors About Beachside