Locals are in shock over the recently announced closure of one of Walnut Creek’s most beloved and iconic restaurants.
Yesterday, through a letter on the website, the owners of the Walnut Creek Yacht Club announced that they would close their restaurant after 29 years in business.
The emotional (and nautical-metaphor-filled) letter explained the impact that the Walnut Creek Yacht Club has had on the owners and the community.
The owner spoke of how they have watched children grow up at the restaurant and then return with their own children, and have taken part in family events — from people grieving the loss of loved ones to celebrating special anniversaries and occasions.
“Twenty-eight years ago we took a leap of faith, and opened Walnut Creek Yacht Club. We had a dream and a plan, which led us to build something truly special,” the letter said. “WCYC has become a part of your family traditions, and that is one of our greatest honors. We have seen children grow up and return with their children. We have seen families lose loved ones and come here to celebrate their memories with us, because this was their favorite place.”
The owners said that they are closing the restaurant in order to retire after almost three decades serving the Walnut Creek community. They considered selling the restaurant, but concluded “this craft was built with our blood, sweat, and tears, and we knew that if someone else took the helm, she might not weather any new storms that could come her way.”
Better to shut down the restaurant than to risk the food becoming mediocre or the atmosphere changing.
“To preserve her legacy and ensure that everyone could remember her as she was, we decided it was best to sail her into port and tie her safely to the dock,” the owners said.
“Reaching 28 years in this business is an amazing feat, and we are very proud of that,” the letter said. Although the owners called closing the restaurant “the most difficult decision of our 28 years”, they concluded that it would be the best move for both their own lives and Walnut Creek Yacht Club’s legacy.
The last day of service for Walnut Creek Yacht Club will be May 7, so there’s still time to stop by for one last voyage before this fair ship sails forever into the sunset (those nautical metaphors are mine).
“We are incredibly proud of what we have built with our amazing crew, some of whom have been with us for many years,” the owners concluded. “Together, we created a space known for exceptional hospitality, great food, wine, cocktails, and good times. Reaching 28 years in this business is an amazing feat, and we are very proud of that.”
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