Coronavirus Forces Popular Capitola Restaurant To Close For Good

CAPITOLA, CA—After more than 20 years in business, a popular Capitola restaurant has closed its doors for good. Paradise Beach Grille is the latest California business to fall victim to the coronavirus, according to KSBW-TV.

Although the owners considered reopening, they told the TV station that the restrictions currently placed on restaurants due to COVID-19 has made it impossible for them to continue business. Last week, the restaurant owners informed all 73 of their employees they would not reopen.

"The coronavirus was the last straw. I mean, we never saw it coming," said Leslie Wetsel, Paradise Beach Grill Owner.

The owners recently put the restaurant, which is located at 215 Esplanade, up for sale for $4,595,000.

"Past years sales have averaged between $3.3 million to $3.6 million. Restaurant sales are 65 percent of total sales and alcohol sales are 35 percent of total sales," the real estate listing reads.

Since 1998, Paradise Beach Grille had served as a popular meeting place for local patrons as well as a favorite restaurant for tourists. It was voted the best restaurant in Santa Cruz County for five years and in Capitola for seven years, according to the restaurant's website.

Its menu featured a wide variety of salads and appetizers, fresh seafood and black angus beef from. It also featured an extensive wine list of California wines including over 10 local wineries and over 35 wines by the glass and a full-service bar.