Operating a restaurant is never easy. Just ask Orange County’s Ghoukassian family, which has been in the business for decades.
The owners of Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach are celebrating 20 years in business this year with celebratory menu items as the ownership reflects on an industry landscape that’s done anything but remain the same.
The family also operates the Bistango restaurant in Irvine, which bowed in 1987.
Bayside’s had to shift to keep in lockstep with broader restaurant industry and consumer changes. Digital has led to a more informed clientele, pointed out Marc Ghoukassian.
“It’s really exciting that with the age of the internet and social media, that our guests seem to be more knowledgeable and really want to dive into the food, wine and bar program as such,” Ghoukassian said. “The palate is more diverse and we welcome that.”
Tapas, Happy Hours
The private parties, events and corporate meetings segment of the business have seen growth, while the restaurant’s food offerings have expanded over the years to include greater variety of price points in the form of the tapas menu and happy hour items.
Even with the changes over the years, one thing that’s stayed the same across Bayside’s 20 years: consistency in the service offering with staff—including some who have been there from the start—and fresh food made in-house.
“Through the last two decades, we’ve seen many amazing restaurants join our Orange County dining community and we believe our longevity has much to do with just simply putting out delicious food and having best of class service, at a competitive price,” Ghoukassian said.
“That’s what keeps people walking into your restaurant week after week.”
