SANTA MONICA, Calif. (KABC) – Many restaurants struggled during the pandemic. On Sunday the popular breakfast eatery OP Cafe in Santa Monica said goodbye to its customers after 42 years.
Over the years, the yellow bungalow on Ocean Avenue has passed to different owners as it feeds the customers.
“The main reason for this concept is because of its location across the street from the business park and a lot of these companies have moved out and many of them are working remotely,” said Matt Spiersch of OP Cafe.
Without the pedestrian traffic from the industrial park and the economic impact of the pandemic over the past 18 months, the restaurant has had to close.
Long-time customer Ross Everly came one last time on Sunday to enjoy a breakfast burrito.
“It’s kind of sad. It’s a good metaphor for the restaurant closings for all people in the past 18 months. It’s pretty sad that there are no signs of quitting,” Everly said.
During the Sunday breakfast rush, the remaining employees served customers with the same hospitality as always.
“We take our employees and distribute them to the other properties. So it was bittersweet, ”said Spiersch.
While the business park was the bread and butter for the café, its neighbors were the centerpiece.
“It’s sad. We need restaurants, we need businesses,” said Llana Klaz from Santa Monica. “I know it is difficult when the business park is not fully operational. Many of the restaurants in Ocean Park have suffered as a result.”
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