By CHRIS COATES Staff Reporter The Encino storefront formerly occupied by the popular Caribbean-themed eatery Cha Cha Cha is being turned into a gourmet coffee house operated by Brentwood-based Coral Tree Caf & #233;. Crews are remodeling and painting the interior of the 17499 Ventura Blvd. space to make way for the new eatery, expected to open in mid-July. The 5,000-square-foot space will resemble the other Coral Tree Caf & #233;s in Brentwood and Century City, said Elaine Doran, a spokeswoman for the eatery. The first Coral Tree opened on San Vincente Boulevard in 2002 and specialized in fresh, organic foods and coffees. The company opened an express location at Westfield Century City mall and plans are in the works for a similar operation at Westfield Topanga mall in Woodland Hills. Doran said Coral Tree reps were attracted to the Encino site because of its site at Encino Avenue and busy Ventura Boulevard. “Being on that corner is a good, visible spot,” she said. “It seemed like a perfect opportunity.” Cha Cha Cha unexpectedly closed earlier this year after operating in the wood-shingled, cottage-like building since 1991, when it spun-off from the original eatery that chef Toribio Prado created in 1986 at Virgil and Melrose avenues in Silver Lake. A second Cha Cha Cha later opened up in Long Beach and yet another in West Hollywood three years ago, although the Encino location operated independently. The restaurant was known for its vibrant artwork, tropical drinks, Latin entertainment and weekend brunch. It also offered catering and private parties, including an election night celebration last March for Richard Alarc & #243;n’s failed bid for mayor of Los Angeles. Robert Piken, president of The Piken Co., which owns the property, would not elaborate about why Cha Cha Cha closed, but a note on the restaurant’s website said owners Norma and Lee Laine were retiring. Calls and e-mails to the owners were not returned. Piken said he met with Coral Tree officials earlier this year after Cha Cha Cha had closed. The Piken Co. brokered the long-term lease. Neither side would discuss the terms of the agreement.
