HomeMy WebLinkAboutPA2022-157_20220728_Project Description
LUGANO PRIVE – Project Description – Fashion Island – 545 Newport Center Drive
Food & Beverage Service/Membership
Lugano Prive, LLC (“Lugano Prive”) intends to operate a private dining restaurant falling under
the Commercial Recreation and Entertainment/Eating and Drinking Establishment under the PC-
56 (North Newport Center Planned Community). The restaurant will include the sale and service
of alcohol beverages. The restaurant will not be open to the public at any time. Food and
beverages will only be served to members of Lugano Prive and their guests.
Given the non-public nature of the proposed eating and drinking establishment, the sale and
service of alcohol beverages will require Lugano Prive to obtain a type “57” Special On-Sale
General License from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”).
The approximate square footage of space is 11,000 square feet. The current use for the premises
that the City has allowed is a restaurant operating under a type 47 On-Sale General (Bona Fide
Eating Place) License issued by ABC. The number of employees is anticipated to be about 10.
The anticipated number of patrons at any one time is generally not expected to be more than 45
Special events (as explained in more detail below) are generally not expected to have more than
100 attendees.
Lugano Prive is owned and operated by Lugano Diamonds, a premier retail jewelry business
aimed at creating bespoke, intimate shopping experiences that leave a lasting impression. (A
Lugano Diamonds retail location will be open immediately adjacent to Lugano Prive.) Lugano
Prive will have a separate membership requirement for clients of Lugano Diamonds. To obtain a
membership, a Lugano client must pay an initial fee of $50,000 and then annual dues of $15,000.
Members will be subject to a published code of conduct including specific rules that all members
must abide by.
Members will not be required to pay a fee to enter Prive unless they bring a guest in which case
they will pay a nominal fee for their guest. Members will be allowed to bring guests on a limited
basis (i.e., limited number of visits for each guest).
Members who dine at Lugano Prive for lunch or dinner can enjoy for free a limited varying daily
food menu of approximately 12-14 small plate items and beverages including beer and house
wines and distilled spirits. They will be charged if they order from an “upgraded” selection of
wines or spirits. For an additional per person charge, members can also book in advance a dinner
in the private dining room.
Other than for special events (see below) or if a member books a dinner in advance, Prive will be
open Tuesday through Saturday between 10am-7pm.
Special Events
Lugano Prive intends to hold various special events for members and guests at which food and/or
beverages (including alcohol beverages) will be served including the following:
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Highly curated extremely exclusive experiences in conjunction with philanthropic
organizations to assist them in fundraising.
Mentor program events for the “CHEF’S Club,” a philanthropic educational endeavor
assisting young adults to become involved in the culinary world under the mentorship of
the greatest chefs.
Collaborations with think tanks such as the Aspen Institute, the Washington Institute, and
the Meridian Institute for interesting speaking events and panels.
Collaborations with art museums and arts centers around the U.S such as the Segerström
Center for the Arts, the Orange County Museum of Art, the Norton Museum of Art, and
the Aspen Art Museum.
Small concerts from the Pacific Symphony/Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
Members will be entitled to attend a certain number of events under their annual membership
fee. Otherwise, they and their guests will be charged for any events they choose to attend.
Special events will be held during evening hours and will conclude by 11pm. Lugano Prive
anticipates holding up to 5 events per month. There will be live entertainment in the form of
small ensembles of musicians playing classical, symphonic, chamber, and jazz music at certain
events. This entertainment will occur between the hours of 6 to 10pm.
Sale of “Prive Boxes”
In addition, Lugano Prive intends to operate a separate small store open to the public that will be
offering “Prive Boxes” for sale and pick-up solely at the store for off-premises consumption. The
store is going to be located in a separate area without any access to the Lugano Prive area. The
boxes will contain food items such as charcuterie, caviar, and cheeses to be accompanied by
champagne or wine and, in some cases, have a placeholder to insert a jewelry item purchased at
the Lugano Diamonds retail store. The ABC has advised that it will be necessary for Lugano
Prive to obtain a type “20” Off-Sale Beer & Wine License to authorize this alcohol beverage use
because the type 57 license does not allow the sale of wine to the public – only to members and
their guests.
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