WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA — For a long time after Walnut Creek Yacht Club closed (with a delightful flurry of nautical puns, as its long-time owners retired) walking past the restaurant felt a little like looking at a place frozen in time.
The familiar building was still there, as was its recognizable branding. Other than the locked doors and a sign in the window reading “GONE”, it looked much as it had before.
Now, that’s changing in a big way.
I recently walked over to the former restaurant at 1555 Bonanza Street to photograph its transformation, and the property is now clearly actively transforming.
Perhaps the most symbolic change is right out front: the old Walnut Creek Yacht Club logo has been painted over, albeit with its familiar flag-shaped emblem still easy to make out behind the paint. That truly feels like the end of an era right there.
The windows have also been completely blacked out, concealing whatever work is happening inside. Construction fencing surrounds the parking lot, equipment is gathered behind the building, and crews appeared busy working on the transformation during my visit.
The side patio area also appears to be undergoing substantial changes, with portions seemingly being removed or rebuilt.
In other words, after months when the property looked largely unchanged, there’s now visible activity on multiple sides of the building.
What’s replacing the Yacht Club?
As we previously reported, the planned replacement is Oceania Fish Bar.
The City of Walnut Creek lists the project as approved on its major development projects map. Its plans describe a substantial remodel and expansion of the existing building, rather than a complete teardown.
That’s consistent with the impression from the sidewalk: the familiar structure remains, while work is changing the space around it. The covered windows prevent a clear view of how far the interior renovation has progressed.
According to the city’s March 26 Planning Commission staff report, the project would expand the building from 4,774 to 6,306 square feet. David Ghaben of Ghaben Inc. is listed as the applicant and owner.
The plans replace the wooden dining enclosure along Bonanza Street with a two-story addition containing restaurant space downstairs and offices above. They also call for floor-to-ceiling windows at the corner entrance, decorative gold-colored metal screening, blue awnings and mosaic tiles.
A new outdoor dining area would be partially covered by a metal pergola, while the existing on-site parking spaces would be removed.
A familiar corner changes
Walnut Creek Yacht Club closed on May 7, 2025, its 28th anniversary, as owners Ellen McCarty and chef Kevin Weinberg retired.
For a restaurant that spent nearly three decades welcoming diners, even painting over the logo feels like a significant moment.
No word on an opening date for Oceania yet.
What I can confirm from my visit is that the property has moved well beyond simply sitting behind locked doors. Lots is happening here!
I’ll keep following Oceania as work continues. Join my free 925 News newsletter for updates on this project and other East Bay restaurant openings.
