Even through remodel, they will never close

Paul Clinton

The proprietors of Norms Restaurant are wrapping up an exterior

remodel of the eatery that has left unsightly electrical wires

dangling from the upper facade.

The work, which began in November, is expected to be completed by

mid-February, the restaurant’s general manager said. The restaurant

is at 2150 Harbor Blvd.

“We’re going to freshen it up,” said Charles Schroeder, the

general manager. “We’re not going to change the interior look.”

Along with the exposed wires, the restaurant’s facade also shows

exposed wood framing. In the coming weeks, a small crane will

rearrange several exterior beams, Schroeder said.

Once the work is complete, the restaurant’s exterior will have an

entirely new look, Schroeder said. Workers are also expected to

re-paint the restaurant’s light-olive exterior paint. The angular

sign will remain the same.

No interior renovations are planned. While the remodeling work is

being completed, the restaurant will remain open, Schroeder said,

staying true to the company’s motto: “We never close.”

The restaurant has set aside about $200,000 for the work,

Schroeder said.

Norms is a family-owned chain of 17 diners in Southern California.

The Harbor Boulevard eatery is one of only two in coastal Orange

County. The other is in Huntington Beach.

Other diners are in Santa Ana, Anaheim, Orange, West Hollywood and

Beverly Hills.