New Lounge to Open in Pleasanton
A new restaurant concept, Union Jack Lounge and Kitchen, is slated to open at 706 Main Street in Pleasanton. The establishment may take over the space currently occupied by Gilman Brewing Company, though an official opening date has not been announced.
The new venture is headed by Maurice and Sam Dissels, the father-and-son team behind Oyo Restaurant, another popular establishment in Pleasanton. Chef Maurice Dissels, who will lead the kitchen, was born in British Guiana and has a distinguished culinary background that includes training in Cajun and Caribbean cuisine, as well as studies at the Culinary Institute of America's Greystone campus in Napa Valley. Before opening Oyo in 2019, Maurice Dissels served as the executive chef at the historic Pleasanton Hotel for eight years and at Birk's Restaurant for over 16 years. His son, Sam Dissels, grew up in Pleasanton, manages operations, and brings over a decade of front-of-house experience to the new lounge. A sign posted in the window of Gilman Brewing Company confirmed its closure and noted an alcoholic license application connected to the owner of Oyo. This ends Gilman's presence at the location, which began in early 2020 as the brewery's third taproom. While the "Union Jack" name might suggest a British theme, the menu is expected to reflect the Dissels' culturally diverse cooking philosophy. Diners can anticipate a blend of South American, Caribbean, and West African-inspired flavors, with potential influences from East Indian, Portuguese, Chinese, Venezuelan, and Brazilian cuisines.
