PUBlic House In Old Town Temecula Sells, New Owners Look To The Future

TEMECULA, CA — Old Town Temecula's PUBlic House restaurant is under new ownership, Patch has learned. Former owner Gerry Kent has sold his first restaurant which he opened 14 years ago to Chad Riley and Anthony Aglio.

Eventually the pair will relaunch their project under a new name: The Hatch and Hideaway. For now, PUBlic House will remain open with many of the same servers, a new head chef brought over from Avensole Winery's restaurant, Riley told Patch. They plan to stay true to the menu inspired by Kent as they await permits and plans for their future transformation.
The duo will premier their new venture with three Drag Brunches to work out the kinks with their familiar pop-up brunch crowd. They've sold out all seatings for both Saturday and Sunday. Since April, they have hosted multiple pop-up drag brunch experiences in wine country and Old Town.

"The success was contagious," Riley said. "Now we have a permanent location."
A once-favorite Old Town eatery, PUBlic House was in much in need of revival. The drag shows will be part of that. "They'll take place once or twice a month," Riley said. The restaurant will also host live music and other entertainment on the PUBlic House stage. The restaurant's grandfathered occupancy permit allows live music late into the evening, he said, which will go well with their ultimate nighttime lounge concept.

"When we become the Hatch and Hideaway there will be new a menu, and a new look and feel," he said. "Think farmhouse meets Palm Springs."
Riley plans to pay homage to Kent's original menu concepts while leveling up the dining and experience options in Old Town.

Incorporating the regular monthly drag brunch is a part of that plan. The shows are popular both with Temecula's visitors and with the entertainers, he said. "Everyone wants to come here!"

As for former PUBlic House owner Gerry Kent, he will maintain his Murrieta restaurant, DownTown PUBlic.
Kent has his sights set on possibly opening a new restaurant in Orange County and bid fans goodbye on social media before handing over the keys to the new owners.
On their last night of business, friends and fans arrived or shared over social media favorite moments at one of Old Town Temecula's favorite restaurants.
"Public House started the trend of nicer and more interesting restaurant trends in Old Town Temecula," Kevin Ross wrote on Facebook. "They definitely deserve respect for that."
Resident Summer Vodicka likened PUBlic House as Temecula's version of "Cheers."

"It's where everyone knows your name," she wrote. "It's one of the reasons Temecula still has a small-town feel."
Fans shared memories of eating on the outdoor patio of the establishment, from first dates to wedding rehearsal nights. Jennifer Spencer dished on celebrating her rehearsal dinner around the outdoor fire tables at PUBlic House.
"We absolutely had the best night," Spencer writes. "They're the best service and the best food. We always stop there every time we're in Temecula." All wished the original owners a fond farewell.
It will be several months before major changes come to PUBlic House. For now, new owners Riley and Aglio say visitors can count on consistency, great food, amazing entertainment and the best hospitality the valley has to offer.