Longstanding Dana Point Restaurant Closes Doors After More Than 5 Decades

DANA POINT, CA — A longstanding Dana Point Harbor restaurant is closing its doors for good after more than five decades of operation.

Wind & Sea restaurant originally announced the closure in a social media post last month.

"While our hearts are heavy, we are filled with immense gratitude for the incredible journey we've been fortunate to share with you," Wind & Sea owners posted on Instagram. "The legacy of this place lives on through memories created within these walls, the friendships formed around our tables, and the countless stories that will continue to be told."

The restaurant's building is scheduled to be demolished shortly after it closes as part of a $600 million harbor revitalization project that will bring new restaurants, hotels and more to the area.

The announcement was met with an outpour of protest from the community, with longtime customers flocking to share their disbelief.

"This breaks my heart to see!" One commenter wrote. "My family and I visited here SO many times before moving from Massachusetts, and the Wind and Sea welcomed me with opened arms as an employee that then became family. I couldn’t have been more grateful."

The harbor restaurant was opened in 1972 by founder Robert Mardian, a Stanford graduate who abandoned plans to become a lawyer and instead entered the restaurant business, KTLA reported.

"We are so lucky that 55 years ago, Bob found this little spot by the harbor and decided to take a chance on it," the restaurant said in its announcement. "He built a restaurant. But together, you built the story."