Enterprising Restaurant and Bar Owner Mario Marovic Expands Operations Despite Unsettled Economy
A client of 714 Media, Marovic continues to keep his eye on the bigger picture
Corona del Mar, CA, September 03, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Since the age of three, Mario Marovic has grown up around the bar business. A native of Orange, CA., Marovic inherited his keen insight and entrepreneurial spirit from his parents who owned and operated 2J’s Cocktail Lounge in Fullerton, CA. In 1995, Marovic took over management and spearheaded a plan to revitalize the business through extensive renovations, creative marketing and a renewed commitment to quality customer service.
With an MBA degree in finance/marketing from USC, Marovic moved to Silicon Valley and pursued a career in investment banking in 2000. Unfulfilled and longing for the daily interaction of the family business, Marovic returned to Orange County in 2002 with the intention of making the restaurant/bar business a full time career. Marovic’s goal was to not only manage and operate 2J’s Cocktail Lounge in Fullerton, but also expand his operations into other strategic areas throughout the county.
In December 2004, Marovic purchased Los Vacitos Café in old town Orange, CA., near the historic Orange circle. It was his first foray into the restaurant business and after several months of extensive upgrades, the remodeled restaurant, bar and live music venue reopened for business as the newly christened District Lounge. The District Lounge has since become one of the most popular destinations in the area, drawing rave reviews and “Best of” honors by the local press.
Along with two business partners, in July 2005 Marovic purchased Carmelo’s Restorante Italiano in Corona del Mar. As with The District Lounge, Marovic made many improvements, introduced an upscale steak and seafood menu and changed the name to Landmark Steakhouse.
A year later in 2006, Marovic found another opportunity to expand his growing empire by purchasing The Stag Bar located opposite the Newport Beach pier in Newport Beach, CA. Established in 1914, the historic tavern is one of the oldest continually operated bars in Orange County. With an appreciation for its treasured heritage, Marovic restored the Stag Bar true to its historic and elegant character. As part of his master plan, in 2007, the name was also changed to The District Lounge.
In 2007, fueled by his passion and strong commitment as a responsible bar and business owner Marovic co-founded the Newport Beach Bar and Tavern Owners Association, an organized committee of local bar owners, who, with the cooperation of the Newport Beach police department hold regular meetings to better enforce safety, reduce drunk driving and other proactive responsibilities.
In 2008, Marovic acquired the majority stake in Landmark, following complete renovations throughout. Also lauded by the media, including a 4 Star rating by the Orange County Register, among other notable distinctions, the steakhouse has since become one of the most popular dining and lounge destinations in Corona del Mar and throughout the county.
Despite the time-consuming commitment of personally overseeing each of his unique and highly successful properties, and the challenge of a global recession, Marovic purchased the Rockin' Taco Cantina in Historic Downtown Fullerton. Along with two partners, the iconic 110-year-old brick venue, rechristened Matador Cantina, reopened in 2009, following a re-concept and complete renovations. Thanks to its unique fusion of Mexican fare, popular signature cocktails, specialty Spanish and South American wines, and an extraordinarily unique decor, Matador Cantina has already set a new standard for Mexican cuisine in North Orange County.
“I am living my dream,” said Marovic about his life in the restaurant and bar business. “I enjoy every part of the business, the creative management, the people and social aspect. It’s who I am and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” Marovic, 36, resides with his wife in Corona del Mar.
Contact: Rob Hallstrom, 714.473.7033, rob@714media.com
###
With an MBA degree in finance/marketing from USC, Marovic moved to Silicon Valley and pursued a career in investment banking in 2000. Unfulfilled and longing for the daily interaction of the family business, Marovic returned to Orange County in 2002 with the intention of making the restaurant/bar business a full time career. Marovic’s goal was to not only manage and operate 2J’s Cocktail Lounge in Fullerton, but also expand his operations into other strategic areas throughout the county.
In December 2004, Marovic purchased Los Vacitos Café in old town Orange, CA., near the historic Orange circle. It was his first foray into the restaurant business and after several months of extensive upgrades, the remodeled restaurant, bar and live music venue reopened for business as the newly christened District Lounge. The District Lounge has since become one of the most popular destinations in the area, drawing rave reviews and “Best of” honors by the local press.
Along with two business partners, in July 2005 Marovic purchased Carmelo’s Restorante Italiano in Corona del Mar. As with The District Lounge, Marovic made many improvements, introduced an upscale steak and seafood menu and changed the name to Landmark Steakhouse.
A year later in 2006, Marovic found another opportunity to expand his growing empire by purchasing The Stag Bar located opposite the Newport Beach pier in Newport Beach, CA. Established in 1914, the historic tavern is one of the oldest continually operated bars in Orange County. With an appreciation for its treasured heritage, Marovic restored the Stag Bar true to its historic and elegant character. As part of his master plan, in 2007, the name was also changed to The District Lounge.
In 2007, fueled by his passion and strong commitment as a responsible bar and business owner Marovic co-founded the Newport Beach Bar and Tavern Owners Association, an organized committee of local bar owners, who, with the cooperation of the Newport Beach police department hold regular meetings to better enforce safety, reduce drunk driving and other proactive responsibilities.
In 2008, Marovic acquired the majority stake in Landmark, following complete renovations throughout. Also lauded by the media, including a 4 Star rating by the Orange County Register, among other notable distinctions, the steakhouse has since become one of the most popular dining and lounge destinations in Corona del Mar and throughout the county.
Despite the time-consuming commitment of personally overseeing each of his unique and highly successful properties, and the challenge of a global recession, Marovic purchased the Rockin' Taco Cantina in Historic Downtown Fullerton. Along with two partners, the iconic 110-year-old brick venue, rechristened Matador Cantina, reopened in 2009, following a re-concept and complete renovations. Thanks to its unique fusion of Mexican fare, popular signature cocktails, specialty Spanish and South American wines, and an extraordinarily unique decor, Matador Cantina has already set a new standard for Mexican cuisine in North Orange County.
“I am living my dream,” said Marovic about his life in the restaurant and bar business. “I enjoy every part of the business, the creative management, the people and social aspect. It’s who I am and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” Marovic, 36, resides with his wife in Corona del Mar.
Contact: Rob Hallstrom, 714.473.7033, rob@714media.com
###
Contact
714 Media
Rob Hallstrom
714 473-7033
www.714media.com
Rob Hallstrom
714 473-7033
www.714media.com
Contact
Categories