Lococo’s Open in Manhattan
Recently, a small article was discovered that announced a new joint in southern California. This time it wasn’t Andy’s Cockatoo, but brother Nick’s “Lococo’s” restaurant. The Palos Verdes News headline from Dec 19, 1957 read: “Lococo’s Open in Manhattan.” It called it, “an exciting new restaurant and cocktail lounge” run by brothers Nick and Michael Lococo. The business opened on Sepulveda Blvd. and Redondo Beach Blvd. in Manhattan Beach.
Then, it went on to mention Andy’s success with the Cockatoo, of which Nick and Michael “were also associated for a number of years.” Speaking about Michael’s work on Lococo’s, the PV News stated:
“…a graduate of USC and a general contractor…did the construction work on the sprawling building which houses their resturant.”
Lastly, it described the three main rooms featured at Lococo’s:
“The Satellite Lounge, design in the modern outerspace trend with blinking stars and whirling satellites; the Fountain Room which is centered by an artistic real water fountain, and the Gold Room, a dining section capable of handling a number of persons.”
Here’s the original clipping from 1957:
…and a matchbook with the Sepulveda address:
Do you remember Lococo’s in Manhattan Beach, or have any photos you can share? Let us know below!
Mary Lococo Gerard was my step grandmother. Her daughter MaryAnn Gerard Wagner was my step Mother. She was a nightmare!
Oh no :/ Always welcome your comments, Laurie!
Seriously. Maryann used to take care of us kids when were little. She used to take us to this cool hamburger joint in Cypress, and to the Pike in Long Beach.
And then she died and your nightmare was over.
I remember the original Lococos Manhattan on Redondo Beach Blvd and Sepulveda. Then it moved to bigger building a block or 2 north. When I was older I used to help my friend Randy with the sound system. My uncle Mike used to have Rock Bands in there back in the mid to late seventies.
Felipe,
How are you related to Mike LoCoco, age 66 in 2021?
The owner of Lococos Manhattan was Mike, and he was my Uncle.
That was an auto-correct mistake! I’m sorry Felice!
I do remember Lococo’s very well. My family owned Keiths Pottery just a few blocks away. We as a family frequented the restaurant.
My mom was the general manager until it closed. She started as a teenager just doing accounts receivable… slowly ended up running it… My best memories were the best omelette in the coffee shop and roller skating in the ballroom with the disco ball.
Yes I worked for Mike Lococo from 1970 to May 14th 1983 when he sold his restaurant and retired. Nick his brother owned the Denny’s outside of Disneyland. Andy Lococo who no longer owned the Cockatoo in Hawthorne was deceased. They also had another two brothers who are indifferent type of fields and a sister. The restaurant was known for its table side cooking and flambee desserts. It no longer looked like it originally did when they first opened it. It was the best learning experience I ever had. which propelled me into 30 more years in the hospitality industry of which I retired from.
Did you know my mom LeeAnn? She worked as a waitress there.
I remember Lococo’s very well. I know my Dad when he was in Kiwana’s had meetings there. Not often we had dinner there. I think we had one of our reunions there from Aviation High class of 1966.
I worked in the kitchen for Mr. Lococo in 1964 .the head chef was Jean and assistant was Stan. My mom also worked for him and nick at the old spot a block away. Good food and a lot of hard work as a dishwasher at the age of 15. Jerry Abbott
When I was in grade school, my best friend was Carol Ehling, her mom’s name was Helen, I believe her last name was Concrite, or something like that. Anyway, Helen dated Nick and we’d go to the restaurant to visit. My best memory of Nick was him getting a limo for Carol and I to take us to a concert. I have very fond memories from those times. List contact many, many years ago. But I’ll never forget my time at Laococo’s.