From a 1968 throwback Taco Bell to a Fresno breakfast favorite—here are the closures people are already getting nostalgic about.
From the architectural history of a rare Mission-style Taco Bell in Lafayette to the waterfront views of San Francisco’s Pier 7, this week’s update marks the end of distinct eras across California. The loss of The Waterfront Restaurant after more than 50 years headlines a list that also includes the abrupt closure of Sacramento’s Bottle & Barlow and the upcoming final service for Fresno’s Benaddiction. We also track the heartbreaking announcement from San Francisco’s legendary Bottom of the Hill, signaling that even the most iconic music venues are preparing for their final curtain call. This email was originally sent out on January 15th, 2026.
Our Thursday edition, Coastline Closings, highlights restaurant closures along the Pacific edge—covering California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. Published every Thursday, this edition documents how coastal cities and island communities are navigating the unique pressures of tourism, weather, and rising costs. It serves as a weekly record of how the dining landscape is shifting where the land meets the sea, capturing the stories of the places that once thrived near harbors, highways, and ocean views. Read more here.
