MALIBU Calif. Master sommelier Michael Jordan has been named president of The Beachcomber restaurants, two oceanside venues on the Southern California coast, officials said Tuesday.
Jordan served previously as global manager of wine sales and standards for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide and general manager of Disney’s wine-centric Napa Rose restaurant at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. Prior to joining Disney, he worked with The Patina Restaurant Group.
Jordan is one of 15 people in the world to hold both a master sommelier diploma with the International Court of Master Sommeliers and the certified wine educator diploma from the Society of Wine Educators.
Jordan plans to enhance the wine and beverage program at both Beachcomber locations, officials said, and will offer comprehensive wine study courses for all staff members.
The Beachcomber concept was launched in 2006 in the oceanside Crystal Cove State Park in southern Orange County. It was developed by Doug Cavanaugh, chief executive of the Ruby Restaurant Group, the Newport Beach, Calif.-based parent to the Ruby’s Diner chain. The brands are operated as separate companies.
Cavanaugh opened a second Beachcomber Cafe in 2008 on the Malibu Pier, along with the adjacent Malibu Pier Club bar and a Ruby’s Shake Shack, the latter offering a limited Ruby’s menu. The projects were part of a large-scale restoration of the pier aimed at returning the historic structure to its former glory.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
