California beach enclave loses beloved Denny’s after 60 years of Grand Slams: ‘I’m bummed’

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A beloved Denny’s in San Diego’s Point Loma neighborhood has permanently closed after nearly six decades in business, leaving longtime customers mourning the loss of what many called a community institution.

The news came as a surprise to locals who headed to the beloved diner last week at the corner of Rosecrans and Jarvis Street when they were met with locked doors and closed signs.

“It’s been here as long as I have,” long-time resident Ed Baier told CBS 8, calling the Denny’s, which had been open since 1966, a staple meeting place in the community that bridged generations of families.

For many, the closure marks the end of decades of memories.

“I’m bummed,” customer Kate Yamashiro told the station. “My softball team came here in high school. I have some good memories, and it’s sad to see it closing.”

“It’s not about the food, it’s the memories,” another commented on Facebook. “It’s tradition for our high school marching band kids to meet there for breakfast before their tournaments.”

The writing had been on the wall for a couple of months though. The half-acre lot had quietly been up for lease since April, according to real estate brochures. Realtors are actively looking for another restaurant to move in to the space now.

While the Rosecrans location is gone, diners looking for a Grand Slam are being redirected to visit a nearby Denny’s on West Point Loma Boulevard, which remains open.

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The closure comes as Denny’s is trimming its national footprint. The chain previously announced plans to shutter up to 150 under performing locations in an effort to improve profitability.