Walnut Creek, CA — After a six-week closure following a minor kitchen fire, Original Joe’s says it is officially back today, Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 11 a.m.
In an Instagram post, the team wrote, “Annnd we’re back” and thanked Con Fire and the City of Walnut Creek “for helping us get back on our feet as swiftly as possible.”
The post also thanked the community for its support and encouraged both reservations and walk-ins.
The Bay Area Telegraph stopped by right before the grand reopening to see how things were going.
What OJ’s is saying
- Doors open today at 11 a.m. — with the team specifically crediting Contra Costa County Fire and city staff for the quick turnaround.
- Reservations for up to 10 are on OpenTable; groups larger than 10 can email walnutcreek@originaljoes.com. Walk-ins are welcomed and encouraged.
- “Here’s to Spicy Rigatoni, Chicken Parm, and this new chapter in the East Bay,” the post said, nodding to fan-favorite dishes.
A first for the East Bay
Original Joe’s Walnut Creek is the brand’s first East Bay location, set at 1300 S. Main St. in Broadway Plaza. Co-owner Elena Duggan led the 300-seat restaurant’s design, blending nearly 90 years of OJ’s history with a fresh, East Bay feel.
Guests will find:
- A classic exhibition-style kitchen with 14 counter seats — a hallmark of OJ’s since 1937
- Two glass-front bars and custom brass chandeliers
- Nearly 90 outdoor seats across two patios
- A private dining room with its own bar, an indoor-outdoor fireplace, and a private patio
Hours
- Mon–Thu: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Fri: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Sat: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Sun: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
What happened in August
The Walnut Creek restaurant debuted Aug. 14 to big crowds, then closed four days later after a minor kitchen fire. There were no injuries, and damage was contained — but repairs and inspections pushed reopening to today.
If you go
- Where: Original Joe’s Walnut Creek, Broadway Plaza, 1300 S. Main St., Walnut Creek, CA 94596
- When: Reopens today, Wed., Oct. 1, 2025, at 11 a.m.
- Reservations: OpenTable for parties up to 10; larger groups email walnutcreek@originaljoes.com
- More info: originaljoes.com/walnut-creek and Instagram @originaljoes.walnutcreek
Welcome back, Original Joe’s — see you at the counter, Walnut Creek. Make sure click here and join our free 925 News newsletter so we can share a full review as soon as we get a reservation!
