Point Dume Village Owner Expresses Disappointment Over Savory Closure

Point Dume Village owner Zan Marquis said Thursday the closure of Savory Restaurant in Malibu was due to actions taken by the restaurant's owner, Paul Shoemaker, who he says had been in default on the rent.

"The owners of Point Dume Village had invested over $600,000 to help ensure its success, while the chef-manager has been working on a new restaurant venture in downtown LA that is reportedly opening next month," Marquis said over email.

Marquis said the closure was a disappointment and that it was due to the actions by Shoemaker and not the management of Point Dume Village.

"Savory defaulted in the payment of its rent and closed its doors on November 7," Marquis said.

Shoemaker issued a statement Wednesday announcing the closure, explaining that his team fought a long battle with Point Dume Village landlord Marquis.

"This is a sad day and one of the hardest decisions I have had to make. I love Malibu and everyone here. We will never forget this amazing experience," Shoemaker said.

In response to Marquis' assertions, Alex Rowinski, general manager for Savory, said the landlord's facts were "totally distorted."

"This is being disputed by Paul and management and everybody at Savory," Rowinski said, adding that she hopes to release more details soon.

According to Lt. Todd Weber of the Lost Hills/Malibu Sheriff's Station, deputies were called to the shopping center at noon on Wednesday to a report of a business dispute.

"Deputies went out there for a dispute call and contacted the involved parties and determined that no crime had occurred," Weber said, adding that no further information was available.

Marquis said that since the announcement of the closure, two local restaurant owners have already expressed interest in opening at the location.  

"We will do all we can to provide quality local ownership at this same location in the very near future," Marquis said.