Permanent Irons in the Fire Operator Signs Lease

Z-Golf Food and Beverage will be the new permanent operator of the Irons in the Fire restaurant at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course.

The San Clemente City Council approved the new lease Tuesday, which requires that Z-Golf pay 8 percent of its gross revenue every year, or a minimum of $72,000 the first year, $84,000 the second and $96,000 for each successive year. The initial lease is 5 years, but there are three periodic options to expand for an additional five years.

In addition to the rent, one percent of the restaurants revenue goes into a capital improvement fund to maintain the premesis, and Z-Golf is putting up $100,000 to fix up the carpet and dance floor.

Sam Ultana, the regional manager for Z-Golf, said he doesn't plan to make any big changes to the name, branding or menu of the restaurant right away.

"There's no need to change it up right off the bat," he said. "We want to feel out the public."

The restaurant was run by an interim operator after the original owner left Irons and his other restaurant in town, The Beach Fire on Del Mar, earlier this year because of health problems.