PLAYA DEL REY: We have more developments on The Del, a new venture from The Brig and Beechwood owners David Reiss and Jeffrey Best. Eater reported last month that the group bought the Marina Room, and a tipster confirms that Beechwood's designers will work on the decor; but Brooke Williamson, Beechwood's chef, will not be involved with the new restaurant/lounge. We hear they're very close to making a chef an offer, however, and there's a call for FOH staff here. We'll venture a guess that The Del will open some time this month or early May. [EaterWire Inbox]
HERMOSA BEACH: Our siblings at Curbed picked up a story about the conflict surrounding Sharkeez after a fire demolished it last year. Owner Greg Newman filed permits to expand and rebuild the property, but one local activist is afraid that opens the door for other large bar/resto type businesses to build in the area. Newman says of the neighbor, "He's thrown me under the bus." [Beach Reporter, via Cubed LA]
