Beloved Restaurant Closes Shop In San Juan Capistrano

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — An acclaimed Orange County eatery is closing its doors for good after a short operation at the River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano.

The Market by The Meat Cellar, known for its high-quality cuts of meat and warm ambiance, will host its last day of service on Sunday, March 1.

Owners Anthony and Sara Villegas cited a rough road for the local restaurant from the start, saying that while business was steady, the restaurant "never saw the revenue [it] anticipated."

"As pretty much everyone knows, we are literally a mom and pop restaurant — entirely self-funded with no partners or investors or business loans," The pair wrote on Instagram. "So when even December fell wildly short of our projections — and the sales in any of our previous restaurants — we knew it was time to call it."

"We gave it everything we had, quite literally. We set out to create a unique space where people could connect over food. Within these walls we wrote a love letter to living, and we were so proud of ourselves and our team for the work we put in every day to serve clean nourishing food in a warm welcoming space that felt like home to all who walked in."

The Villegases expressed hopes for opening a new location in Los Angeles or Orange counties in the future, noting that they are opening to partner with investors to make their concept a reality again.

"This is so much bigger than our market. Small businesses are struggling, and it feels like local restaurants in particular are approaching extinction," The Villegases said. "We know firsthand that people who choose to open restaurants in their communities do so with genuine hearts and a desire — sometimes a need — to serve their neighbors. But the costs and logistics of operating a restaurant have skyrocketed in the 10 years since we opened our first location, and as this point, restaurant ownership is almost out of reach for real people. I few don’t do something about it, the future of hospitality businesses will be completely corporate."

"We consider most corporate restaurants to be the hospitality equivalent of AI. They might serve tasty food in a nice-enough space with warm hospitality, but they can’t replace restaurants operated by real people who live in their communities."

Community members responded to the news on social media with overwhelming support and gratitude.

"So sad to hear this! Your food is so good, I love bringing friends to your restaurant," Claudypants commented on Instagram. "I hope you find a new spot soon."

"Anthony and Sara! You are both so amazing. You gave it your best and we all loved going there,
Thecranegrouprealestate commented on Instagram. "Your staff, food and ambiance was wonderful. You will find your new adventure."

The Market by The Meat Cellar will continue to operate at its Claremont restaurant, located at 160 W Foothill Blvd.

Orange County residents interested in supporting The Market by The Meat Cellar's San Juan Capistrano location one more time can stop by until March 2, Thursday through Sunday, starting at 11 a.m.

The Market by The Meat Cellar is located at 31904 Paseo Adelanto.