Beloved SoCal restaurant serving iconic California cocktail to close after 50 years

An iconic harbor restaurant In Orange County has promised to share the recipe for its signature mai tai before closing their doors for good after a half century.

Located in Dana Point Harbor, the Wind & Sea restaurant has been serving guests since Bob Mardian opened the doors in 1972 at just 24 years old, according to the Dana Point Times.

Last week, the restaurant took to social media share the sad news that its final day of service would be on September 15. 

“After more than five decades of unforgettable memories, it’s time to share some heartfelt news with our beloved community,” the announcement read.

“What began as a restaurant became a place where memories were made, celebrations were shared, and guests became family.

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

In a later post, the popular spot teased that it would share the recipe to its iconic mai tai when a person asked for it.

“Let’s talk about the Mai tai recipe. That’s what we all want to take home after W&S is gone forever,” the post read.

In response the shop replied: “It’s coming.”

Mardian estimates that his restaurant has sold around 3.5 million of the fruity cocktail since the bar opened.

Fans of the restaurant reacted on social media to the news.

“I grew up going to and working at restaurants in DP Harbor. It was always a special place to my family,” one person wrote.

“We scattered both of my parents’ ashes not far from W&S over a decade ago and I always say I’m going to visit them and toast them with a Mai Tai. I’m so sad that tradition will end,” another added.

Mardian said when he signed the lease in 1971 and opened a year later he was the first restaurant on the wharf and is the now the last original there.

“I’m the lone survivor until Sept. 15,” Mardian told the Dana Point Times.

“I signed the lease when I was 24, and here I am 54 years later. I’ve had a good run.”

“My whole professional life, once I got out of college, has been with my own company that I started when I was 24,” he added.  I’m proud of myself that I could do that at such a young age.”

Mardian vowed that the restaurant will be going out in style, planning to auction off items from his space including furniture, artwork and memorabilia.

The closure comes amid a $600 million revitalization project in Dana Point Harbor. Demolition is already underway along the waterfront buildings to “reshape the harbor into a more walkable, connected destination,” per a press release.

It is still unclear if Wind & Sea will relocate along with other businesses in the area that are closing due to construction for the project.

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