Lasher's Kitchen Opens On 2nd Street

Lasher’s was one of Long Beach’s choice restaurants for 16 years before it closed in the summer of 2012. Now, nearly five years later, a brand new Lasher’s Kitchen reopened in Belmont Shore. Ray Lasher sold the former location of Lasher’s in order to pursue restaurant and management consulting. Lasher’s company, called Restaurant Logistics Inc., “specializes in all phases of restaurant operations, new concept development, project viability and resources management.”

While working with a client for his company, Lasher discovered the availability of a vacant location on Second Street. “We had been looking to re-establish a Lasher’s restaurant for about a year, and this was an ideal opportunity to open in one of Long Beach’s busiest and most successful neighborhoods,” said Lasher.

The new restaurant is located at 5295 E. Second Street, Long Beach, and though it shares the same ownership as the previous restaurant, it will differ in price and style. The former Lasher’s restaurant was located in a craftsman bungalow on Broadway and featured upscale American fine dining. The new location, which is less than 1,200 square feet, will be “casual, fun and very food-focused.”

The menu will incorporate more seafood and street food style items, though it will still offer a few of the most popular items from the previous menu, including New England clam chowder, fried green tomatoes and Lasher’s meatloaf. The restaurant is intended to be a unique experience in the Belmont Shore area. “The concept is for shared plate experiences with service to include lunch, dinner and weekend breakfast,” said Lasher.

The location will also have an extensive beer and wine list, that will be “quality and value focused with great selections at prices that are approachable.” Wine by the glass will be offered at a beginning price of $6 while craft beer choices will begin at $4.

Lasher announced Raquel Jubran as the executive chef and partner for the Second Street location. Jubran worked at the former restaurant as head chef for almost 15 years. She has also worked as the opening chef for The Attic, as well as sous chef for both the Patina Group and The Border Grill. “Her abilities at all levels are world class,” said Lasher.

Also reprising their role in the restaurant will be Lasher’s wife, Lynn Lasher. Mrs. Lasher functions in many positions throughout the restaurant, including directing the service teams, running the floor and assisting in managing the financials. She also acts as menu advisor when requested and server when necessary.

To finish off an impressive list of supporters, Lasher’s new location is designed by the Sherman Design Group of Long Beach with lighting done by the Minka Group. “The fresh modern interior will be both casual and elegant with textured wood walls, burnt orange accents, grey tile and special lighting. The new front façade will feature an expanded patio area and sliding doors that allow for a completely open front,” Lasher explained.

The restaurant is intended to be family-friendly, informal and fun, while still providing excellent quality service and cuisine. “We had missed the daily interaction with guests and the community that owning a restaurant provides,” said Lasher. “Lasher’s Kitchen will act as a strong community supporter and will be a great spot for all occasions.”

The restaurant held its soft opening on May 1. For more information, call (562) 343-7228.

kelley@beachcomber.news