Earlier this year, following the closure of Spa Diner, it was announced that the iconic Malibu Diner too, would be closing in the near future – but not for good. On December 8th, we spoke with the current co-owner of Malibu Diner for the latest updates on the diner’s closure, read on for everything we know.
Back in 2019, the plans for a new structure at the site of the diner were introduced. The plans for the multi-use building included a total of five floors with 23 residential units making up the top stories of the building, with the ground floor designed to accommodate a commercial space, as well as 20 parking spaces.
At the time, it hadn’t been confirmed if the commercial space would house the longstanding diner, although it was assumed to be the case by many.
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The current owners, who are the son and daughter of Malibu’s longtime owner, have no plans to remove Malibu Diner from the town, at least not permanently. The co-owner explained to us that the plans for the five-story building were in fact moving forward which means that the current building will be knocked down and built from the ground up.
If you’re wondering why the owners didn’t simply choose to renovate the existing structure, he explained that it would be a much larger undertaking to do so, and the clear option was to start fresh to ensure that the new structure meets the city’s building codes. He went on to explain that the decision to rebuild had been made several years ago by him, his sister, and their father – who sadly passed away a little over a year ago. He took over ownership in 1979 after migrating from Greece.
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As for the future of the beloved Malibu Diner, fret not, the plan is to devote the new commercial space to the diner – keeping it alive and well, on the same block just in a new space. As of right now, the plan also includes reopening with the same concept with the sought-after diner eats and charm that the diner always offered.
So yes, Malibu Diner is closing — and Dec 31st will be the last day it’s open to the public until the new building is ready. The diner will reopen in about 24 months. So stopping in for disco fries and a shake will be on hold for about two years, but for now, be sure to stop in for a classic meal to hold you over until then!
