The Growler's Arms En Route to Replace Marzano

Oakland Italian eatery Marzano has announced plan to close up shop, but they won't be leaving the spot empty for long. Owners Justin Hafen and John Hurley, who also own Garibaldi's in the city and the former Hudson in Oakland, will be passing the baton to Seamus and Shelley Mulhall, who plan on opening a British gastropub called The Growler's Arms in the space this summer.

Inside Scoop first got wind of the change, which was prompted by Hafen and Hurley's relocation to Napa and increased focus on their non-restaurant business pursuits. They're currently in the process of transferring their liquor license over to the Mulhalls, who are restaurant industry veterans as well as being Montclair locals.

The Mulhalls will draw on extensive experience in the restaurant scene. Seamus is coming off a 15-year stint working front of house at Gary Danko, and before that spent time at Farallon and La Folie. For her part, Shelley has also worked front of house, spending 10 years at Chez Panisse with additional experience at Boulevard, A16 and Gary Danko.

The pair will bring their experience to bear on The Growler's Arms, which will be an upscale, vintage take on the cozy British theme. Food will come from executive chef Brian Ventura (a former A16 sous), who's planning a hearty menu of dishes such as fish pie, housemade sausages, Yorkshire pudding and a host of vegetables roasted in the wood fired oven (previously used for Marzano's pizzas).

They'll also have a full bar, wine, and craft brews available for your drinking pleasure. At the moment, the timeline should land Growler's Arms at a late summer/early fall opening date, following a remodel. We'll keep you posted with more once they get closer.

· The Growlers' Arms en route for Marzano space [Inside Scoop]
· Marzano closing in Oakland [Inside Scoop]