Restaurants: Mill Valley’s El Paseo sold
Eight years after former Van Halen front man Sammy Hagar teamed up with celebrity chef Tyler Florence to open El Paseo, the Mill Valley restaurant has been sold to new owners who plan to reopen it as Paseo: A California Bistro.
Hagar hasn’t spoken publicly about the restaurant since he abruptly closed it last summer and announced he would “revisit” the project later that year. This week, Hagar confirmed to The Chronicle that he re
Sammy Hagar’s Mill Valley restaurant, El Paseo, closed in 2018 but will reopen as Paseo: A California Bistro under new ownership later this year.
cently sold the business to new owners and, in an email, said both he and his wife, Kari, were ready to see the property move on to its next chapter.
“It’s a very special place. Kari and I wish the new owners great success and we look forward to many great meals there,” Hagar said.
Based on early details, which were first reported by Enjoymillvalley.com earlier this month, Paseo: A California Bistro will open later this year with expanded options including
daily brunch and lunch services, while its predecessor was only open for dinner.
Taking over the restaurant after Hagar is Ki Yong Choi, a Mill Valley resident and the owner of local hospitality firm Cathedral Hill Associates.
He appointed Kevin Pacotti, a marketing consultant and restaurant industry veteran, as a general manager for the restaurant. Pacotti previously helped expand the Dos Coyotes Border Cafe brand in the Bay Area.
El Paseo’s building has been an integral part of Mill Valley’s dining scene since 1947.
The restaurant’s intimate patio and lively bar made it a celebrated spot for date nights and specialoccasion meals.
Hagar and Florence took over the historic property in 2009. When they finally reopened it in 2011, it quickly became a beacon for North Bay diners with its steakhouse menu.
The relationship between Hagar and Florence soured over the years and came to an end in 2016, when the two split, citing creative differences. Hagar became the sole owner of El Paseo, which pivoted between various concepts and chefs before closing. Hagar attributed the decision to his increasingly hectic schedule.
Paseo: A California Bistro: Opening TBD; 17 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley