Michael Zislis, entrepreneur-restauranteur-hotelier, has captured the essence of Southern California with his well-known and mega successful establishments.

Zislis, a native of Palos Verdes, California, was only 13 years old when he brewed his first beer for a science experiment at school. By the time he was an economics major at the University of Southern California, he was a master brewer. Possessing an insatiable entrepreneurial spirit, Zislis opened a brewery construction company and started building breweries all over the world.

Zislis parlayed his brewing experience into running his own restaurants, which include, Mucho, Brewco, Rock'n Brews, and Rock'n Fish in three locations: Manhattan Beach, Laguna Beach and at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles. In 2004, Zislis opened Shade Hotel. Listed as Conde Nast Traveler's #6 reason to visit Los Angeles, the wildly successful luxury boutique hotel also landed on the prestigious publication's Hot List for 2007, on of only 19 U.S. properties named.

A beloved member of the South Bay community, Zislis is committed to supporting local charities and schools. He also sits on the board of Torrance Memorial Medical Center. He says, “Nurturing relationships and building a strong community has always been important to me. In fact, it's the best form of advertising.”

Always hungry for new adventures, these days you will find Zislis opening a new waterfront restaurant in Manhattan Beach, The Strand House. In addition, plans are well underway for a second location of Shade Hotel just down the coast in Redondo Beach. Anyone who knows Michael Zislis, recognizes his passion for service, quality and creativity. Just eat in one of his restaurants, you can taste his passion in every bite.