MORAGA, CALIFORNIA – Moraga is getting a new burger restaurant — and this one will come with its own arcade.
Local restaurant owner Ben Rojas is taking over the former La Finestra Ristorante space at 1419 Moraga Way and transforming it into a new concept called Wayside Social.
Rojas, who also owns La Chamba Taqueria in Moraga, confirmed the plans directly to Bay Area Telegraph.
“The new concept is called Wayside Social,” Rojas said. “I’m taking over the old La Finestra and turning it into a burger joint with an arcade.”
Early renderings shared by Wayside Social show a completely reimagined restaurant with a colorful, casual atmosphere designed to feel dramatically different from the white-tablecloth Italian restaurant that previously occupied the building.
The combination of burgers, drinks and arcade games could make Wayside Social an especially appealing destination for local families–a big win for family-friendly Moraga.
Rojas already has experience developing a community-focused restaurant in town.
He opened La Chamba Taqueria at the Rheem Valley Shopping Center in late 2023, serving tacos, burritos, quesadillas, birria and other dishes based in part on recipes passed down from his mother.
Rojas moved to Moraga with his family in 2018 after spending approximately two decades working in real estate. He has described La Chamba as a relaxed neighborhood restaurant where residents can get a good meal without a lot of fuss.
Wayside Social appears to expand that idea into a larger entertainment-focused concept.
The restaurant will replace La Finestra, which closed in June after chef-owner Jeff Assadi said the rising costs of operating the business had made it impossible to continue.
La Finestra had operated in Moraga since 2018. Assadi previously ran the restaurant in Lafayette before its original location was destroyed in the devastating Lafayette Circle fire in 2017.
Its closure left behind one of Moraga’s most prominent restaurant spaces, directly across from the Moraga Shopping Center Safeway.
Rojas has created Wayside Social accounts on Instagram and TikTok, where he has begun sharing updates and previews of the new restaurant.
An opening date and complete menu have not yet been announced.
Wayside Social is planned for 1419 Moraga Way in Moraga. We’ll continue to be in touch with Rojas and will provide updates as the restaurant comes together. Join our free 925 News newsletter so we can keep you updated.
