This week’s question was: “If you had to choose from any merchant in the land to occupy the pier, whom would it be and why?”
“I’ve been to the Bubba Gump in Hawaii, and their food was pretty good. It’s got to be better than that place they had there before.”
“The best news is that the Boathouse is gone. It was not a great establishment. It attracted a very rough crowd. The Boathouse proposal as to do a biker bar is not what Santa Monica needs. My family will enjoy Bubba Gump Shrimp.”
“I’ve been to a Bubba Gump Shrimp. They are terrific! The food was good, it was a really fun lively atmosphere. It was lots of fun. The Boathouse, I’ve been there and didn’t think it was so great.”
“I live in the city and I’m really glad they are getting rid of the Boathouse to be honest with you.
I’ve eaten there several times and never really been happy with my meal. I can’t see where they have sunk a dime into it in the last 20 years. I’m glad the city council is taking some action to get a company in there that’s going to put a decent restaurant down there, that will hold some decent standards, and serve the community and generate revenue. Ultimately part of the sales tax revenue that it generates goes to help pay for city services.”
“I’m a merchant on the Santa Monica Pier. I think the best thing that could happen for the Pier is the closing of the Boathouse and seeing Bubba Gump coming. Those of us out on the Pier who have to put up with all of the people that hang around the Boathouse know that those are not the type of customers we want to see on the Pier.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 23, 2002. Read the original PDF.