Savory Closes Doors Following Problems with Landlord

UPDATE 2:30 p.m. Thursday: Point Dume Village owner Zan Marquis issued a statement explaining that he's disappointed in the closure, but it was due to the decision of Savory owner Paul Shoemaker. Marquis said Shoemaker had defaulted on rent payments.

ORIGINAL POST: The owner of Savory Restaurant in the Point Dume Village said he decided to shut the restaurant's doors Wednesday following issues with the landlord.

"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," Savory owner and executive chef Paul Shoemaker said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon.

Shoemaker and his team fought a long battle with Point Dume Village landlord and Savory part-owner Zan Marquis, according to the statement.

"We would like to thank the entire community and the city of Malibu, all of our guests that have supported us over the last two and a half years, and most of all we would like to thank our incredible and amazing staff," Shoemaker said. "We are so appreciative to have had such a talented, professional and loyal group of employees working with us all of this time."

Shoemaker was not able to gain any resolve with Marquis and he and his team have had to finally give up this fight, according to the statement.

The popular local spot was listed in Los Angeles Magazine's Top 10 Best New Restaurants in 2011, along with being nominated for a 2012 James Beard Award.

The news comes as Point Pizza Malibu is closing its doors in December after Marquis opted not to extend its lease. A rally to protest both the closure of Savory and Point Pizza is set for 4 p.m. Friday at the Point Dume Village, according to organizers.

Property manager Kathryn Natalia said she could not comment on the closure and Marquis could not be immediately reached.