Originally opened in 1967, El Galleon will be Bluewater’s first non-seafood restaurant and its third on the island — the company also owns Bluewater Avalon and Toyon Grill.
Bluewater has announced it has purchased El Galleon, a landmark eatery on Catalina Island. Originally opened in 1967, El Galleon will be Bluewater’s first non-seafood restaurant and its third on the island — it owns Bluewater Avalon and Toyon Grill. Other locations of Bluewater include the original Bluewater Grill in Newport Beach’s Cannery Village and six others in California and Phoenix.
Bluewater co-owners Jimmy Ulcickas and Richard Staunton acquired the restaurant with local investors including Caleb Lins and plan to renovate it while keeping its menu of steak, prime rib, chicken, burgers and fresh local fish in season. Staff will be retained as well.
Bluewater will work with the original owners, Jack and Nora Tucey, to maintain the restaurant’s original character. El Galleon’s karaoke bar and happy hour programs will continue too.
“We consider it an honor that the Tuceys are entrusting El Galleon to us and look forward to working with them, the City of Avalon and others to restore and enhance this local landmark,” Ulcickas said. “We’re thrilled to be able to extend their decades-long legacy.”
El Galleon will be closed for minor repairs from Monday, May 6 through Friday, May 10 then remain open through the summer. The larger renovations will begin in September, the restaurant will reopen in the fall.
