Tiato Owner: Special Events Keeping Business Afloat

Tiato will now be able to serve a full bar and hold special events—changes its owners says are need for its future success.

The Santa Monica Planning Commission approved on Wednesday a conditional use permit with expanded alcohol service and eight nights of special events per month such as weddings, bar mitzvahs, fund raisers and corporate parties.

City staff originally recommended four special events per month, but Tiato's co-owner Catherine An pressed for eight.

"We need the eight events to keep our business afloat," An said, adding that she and her older sister Hannah An hope to eventually add dinner service over time.

Tiato, which is located on Colorado Boulevard within the Viacom and Lionsgate Building, recently won Santa Monica's Sustainable Quality Award for healthy, eco-chic dining and catering. The business also partners with Carbonfund.org to connect tree planting with restaurant promotions.

An said her intent is not to run a disco or night club.

"People are beginning to discover us," An said. "This could be a destination place."

Commissioner Sue Himmelrich agreed that the restaurant has potential.

"It seems to me there should be some way this could be a successful location," Himmelrich said.

'Noise Carries'

Jack Walter, a neighbor, said he has not seen any disorderly conduct heard any loud noises during events at Tiato in the time he has lived in the area.

"This is my neighborhood over there and I keep very close watch on it," Walter told commissioners. "I see it as the anchor and maybe the seed to keep the area growing. We are struggling to make it. Right now that is it."

Another neighbor, Nancy Morris, said she is concerned about any valet parking.

"Noise carries especially at night," Morris said. "While I am aware that special events can be sedate affairs. Some can get rowdy, especially with alcohol."

Another resident expressed concern about extending liquor service and hours in a neighborhood.

To relieve resident concerns, the commission required the restaurant to keep the patio doors closed after 9 p.m. if there is amplified music inside. No live music will be allowed on the patio, which will close at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday night.

Any third party valets hired for events will be required to seek a permit from the city. Valet will not be allowed on the street after 9 p.m.

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