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Mohammed "Mo" Iqbal former (1994-1995) president of Family Restaurants Inc.'s Mexican dinnerhouse division – El Torito/ChiChi’s is soon (Dec. 2008) to open his dream restaurant, Prime Cut Café & Wine Bar. Affordable luxury dining at … - 
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Congratulations go out to Casa Laguna Inn and Spa in MOR Project
Less is Definitely Not MOR
Orange County’s restaurant scene is being shaken up. The MOR Project, a full-service restaurant group that specializes in high-concept, innovative dining and nightlife destinations, has big plans for OC in 2008. Although based in Orange County, Chief Executive Officer Anton Posniak and his team of seasoned restaurateur executives opened the first MOR restaurants in Los Angeles. Now, after enjoying immense success and endless positive responses to their LA operations, the MOR Project plans to have opened a total of five brand new eateries, and even a nightclub, in OC by year’s end. So far in ‘08, Posniak and his partners have unveiled Irezumi, a unique, high-energy sushi lounge in Costa Mesa, and Blanca, a sophisticated Euro-Mediterranean themed dining destination on Newport Harbor. Still in the works is The Rustic Vine, which will offer seasonal wine country cuisine at the Irvine Spectrum. Fleur de L’Age, also slated to open later this year, will feature a menu with items specific to the Napa Valley region designed by consulting Chef Stephane Beaucamp’s. Last, but certainly not least, is Revolver, a nightclub which will feature its very own restaurant called Black and Blue. Read on to learn more about the MOR Project and their philosophies.
What is the MOR Project’s mission statement?
To synergize the perfect balance of conceptual creativity, operational execution, and dynamic nightlife to redefine the dining experience.
What does it stand and strive for?
The MOR Project stands for the embodiment of a new era in the creative approach to the restaurant and nightlife experience. It strives to captivate its audience of patrons with an exotic blend of high design, exquisite cuisine, eclectic music and unparalleled guest service.
What are some of the factors that are carried from one MOR restaurant to the next?
Consistency and approachability – consistency in the food and service we provide, and approachability as defined by the “service experience.” We want everyone from valet to General Manager to be accessible to the guest.
What does the Orange County restaurant industry/market have to offer the MOR Project?
The Orange County restaurant industry offers the MOR Project opportunity. Orange County contains a plethora of sophisticated consumers that seek high end dining experiences. The Orange County Market has not yet reached its saturation point, allowing the MOR Project to take advantage of the available opportunity to expand its high-end themes and concepts with good reception.
What does MOR plan to bring to Orange County?
We would like to provide Orange County with a fresh and innovative approach to dining and nightlife.
As everyone knows, the US economy is not in top shape right now. How, if at all, has this less than perfect economical situation affected decisions regarding your restaurant openings?
It has delayed several openings and forced us to take a much more cautious approach to opening. In addition, our marketing and opening programs have been completely restructured. On the positive side, during recessionary periods consumers spend more money on alcohol, something inherently better for our bottom line.
Has the economy affected the restaurants in general?
Yes, it has been harder for us to secure additional credit lines and equipment leases, thus slowing our growth significantly.
By Lauren Monahan - May 2008
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