World-Famous Chef May Leave Palo Alto Over Natural Gas Ban
16th May 2023
A California city may lose out on a new restaurant from world-famous chef José Andrés because of its ban on natural gas.
The owner of the mall where Andrés was set to open his Mediterranean restaurant Zaytinya is threatening to sue Palo Alto over the ban, which starting this year prevents new buildings from having natural gas connections.
The restaurant relies on “traditional cooking methods that require gas appliances to achieve its signature, complex flavors,” said Anna Shimko, a lawyer representing the group that owns the Stanford Shopping Center where Andrés leased space for the restaurant. Palo Alto city council members discussed the letter behind closed doors on May 8 but took no public action.
Shimko said the building’s plans were approved by the city in 2019, years before the gas ban was imposed. She added that some of the appliances the restaurant staff needs “do not have electrically powered equivalents.”
“Without a gas connection and appliances, Zaytinya would be forced to alter its signature five-star reputation,” Shimko said, adding that if the ban is enforced, “Zaytinya will likely choose not to locate within the city.”