Every year, we bid farewell to a number of cherished businesses, many of which have been part of the local landscape for decades. This year, we say goodbye to a group of beloved Bay Area restaurants that have served their communities for 25 years or more. These closures reflect a mix of factors: some owners are retiring, others are grappling with rising costs in a post-pandemic world, and a few are even facing the pressure of redevelopment. However, while these institutions are closing their doors, there are also some heartwarming revivals and relocations to look forward to.
Caspers Hot Dogs – 76 Years in Hayward
Caspers Hot Dogs, an iconic institution in Hayward, closed its downtown location in late June. The restaurant, founded in 1948 by Rose and Paul Agajan, was a classic diner with a neon sign and a legacy stretching back over 70 years. The closure was part of an effort to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the business, although the chain’s other locations remain open in Pleasant Hill, Dublin, Richmond, Oakland, and Hayward.
Burger Pit – 71 Years in San Jose
San Jose’s Burger Pit, a family-run burger joint, served its last Steerburger this past spring after 71 years in business. Founded by Oakland native Albert Berger in 1953, the Burger Pit became a staple for students at San Jose State College and evolved into a beloved chain. The final blow came with a huge rent increase, prompting Paul Berger to close the last remaining Burger Pit location at Blossom Hill and Kooser roads.
Pezzella’s Villa Napoli – 67 Years in Sunnyvale
After 67 years of serving delicious Italian food to the South Bay, Pezzella’s Villa Napoli in Sunnyvale closed its doors in June 2024. The restaurant, originally opened by Raffaele and Maria Pezzella in 1957, was a community gathering spot known for its lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, and pizza. The restaurant’s closure marked the end of a long legacy for the Pezzella family, who left a note of gratitude to their loyal customers.
Fiorillo’s – 52 Years in Santa Clara
Fiorillo’s, a staple in Santa Clara, said goodbye to its loyal patrons in June 2024 after 52 years of serving pasta and Italian classics to the community. The Fiorillo family had become a fixture in the local dining scene, catering to the needs of Silicon Valley tech workers and university staff. The closure came after a lifetime of service, with owner Michael Fiorillo passing the torch after decades of operation.
Steamer’s Grillhouse – 45 Years in Los Gatos
Steamer’s Grillhouse, a celebrated seafood destination in Los Gatos, will close its doors for good after Christmas Eve 2024. Owned by the Matulich siblings, Steamer’s has been serving up fresh seafood since 1979. The family has written a heartfelt farewell to the community, thanking loyal customers and reflecting on the decades of delicious memories created at the restaurant.
Jade Garden – 36 Years in Walnut Creek
Jade Garden, a beloved Chinese restaurant in Walnut Creek, closed in February after 36 years in business. Despite its long history and loyal customer base, the restaurant couldn’t overcome post-pandemic challenges and a 10 percent rent increase. The Wang family, who ran the restaurant, expressed gratitude for the years of support from their customers.
Three Brothers From China – 32 Years in Pleasant Hill
Three Brothers From China, a longtime fixture in Pleasant Hill, closed in May 2024 after 32 years of serving authentic Chinese cuisine. Known for dishes like honey walnut prawns and Peking duck, the Li brothers left a lasting impression on their customers, many of whom expressed sadness at the restaurant’s closure.
Mike’s Diner Bar – 30 Years in Palo Alto
After 30 years of service, Mike’s Diner Bar in Palo Alto closed its doors in June 2024. Owner Mike Wallau made the difficult decision to shift gears and focus on his family and his restaurant consulting business. The diner was a popular spot for locals, but it was time for Wallau to pursue a new chapter.
Barone’s – 29 Years in Pleasanton
Barone’s, an Italian fine dining institution in Pleasanton, served its last meals in October 2024. Known for its shrimp risotto and veal meatballs, Barone’s was a beloved spot for over two decades. Owners Joe and Maricela Barone expressed heartfelt thanks to their loyal customers, bidding them farewell with gratitude.
Plaza Gourmet Deli – 29 Years in Foster City
Plaza Gourmet Deli in Foster City, known for its incredible variety of Philly cheesesteaks and other sandwiches, closed its doors in January 2024. Owner Pat Kelly decided it was time to retire after 29 years of serving the community. His announcement was met with nostalgia, as customers reminisced about the deli’s unique offerings.
Market Hall Foods – 28 Years in Berkeley
Market Hall Foods in Berkeley closed its 4th Street location in May 2024 after 28 years of providing high-quality meats, cheeses, seafood, and baked goods. Co-owner Sara E. Wilson cited the challenges posed by the post-pandemic landscape as the reason for the closure. However, the original Market Hall in Oakland’s Rockridge district remains open.
Chevy’s – 25 Years in Emeryville
The Emeryville location of Chevy’s, a Tex-Mex chain known for its festive atmosphere and flaming fajitas, closed its doors in April 2024 after 25 years. Despite the closure, Chevy’s still has other Bay Area locations, allowing fans to enjoy their favorite Tex-Mex dishes.
Revival and Relocation News
While many businesses are closing, some are making comebacks or relocating to new spaces:
- North Beach Restaurant in San Francisco, after closing in 2023, is making a return, much to the delight of pasta lovers.
- Mini Gourmet in San Jose, after being closed for four years due to a fire, has reopened with expanded hours, bringing back its classic comfort food.
- Quinn’s Lighthouse in Oakland, which closed after 40 years, has reopened as a Vietnamese restaurant but still serves some of the beloved fish and chips from its original menu.
- Jing Jing Gourmet in Palo Alto, a long-time favorite for Szechuan and Hunan cuisine, closed in May 2024 but has reinvented itself for takeout, delivery, and catering from a new location in Santa Clara.
As we bid farewell to these iconic restaurants, we celebrate their legacies and the memories they have created for countless patrons over the years. We look forward to the new ventures that have sprung from these closures and the continued success of restaurants that have found new life in different forms.
