Primitivo to Shutter in Venice by Month's End, Will Retool With New Concept

Venice is losing another one, as skyrocketing rents and higher food costs force longtime restaurant and bar tenants to rethink their overhead — or close altogether. This time, though, two of the area’s most beloved institutions are teaming up to make some future moves together.

Primitivo Wine Bistro, which has sat for more than a dozen years along Abbot Kinney, will officially turn off the lights as of August 30. Owners Mary Vernieu and Daniel Deny won’t say what exactly caused the shutter, but it’s not hard to guess that Abbot Kinney’s complete (and pricey) makeover is likely involved. Of course, 13 years is a long time for a concept to sit still anywhere, especially in an area that’s changed as much as Venice.

The fan-favorite wine bar says that, following the closure, customers should expect a whole new Abbot Kinney concept from the ownership team. What’s more, they’ll be teaming up with Hal’s Bar & Grill co-owner Don Novack on the next iteration, whatever it ends up becoming. Back in April, when the news of Hal’s demise first came to light, Novack said that he’d like to stay on Abbot Kinney in one form or another, so this new partnership must be what he meant.

In the meantime, Hal’s itself has transitioned over to Playa Vista, which is currently in the midst of a big building boom, thanks largely to the tech money flooding the area.

No word yet on what this Primitivo/Hal’s hybrid will end up looking like, or when it’s going to show its face, as of yet.