A Beloved Wine Country Diner Has Closed its Doors
What will come of the shuttered Fremont Diner?
Anyone who’s planned a proper wine country getaway in northern California knows the food is as well worth the trip as the world-class pours. Many of wine country’s top eateries are al fresco at award-winning wineries, dreamily set amidst acres of vines, or Michelin-starred. And then there’s The Fremont Diner.
Since opening in 2008, the modest roadside restaurant serving comfort cooking amidst an array of found road-trip-themed treasures (like the rusty pick-up parked out front), has become a hot commodity to traveling oenophiles. Especially with visitors hankering for the perfectly Instagrammable roadside shot, or an indulgent plate of chicken and waffles.
But last week, owners Chad and Erika Harris closed the doors on their thriving Sonoma eatery, citing unsustainably high demand and understaffing issues to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
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Juggling one of the most popular dining spots in town alongside a family proved difficult, but the couple says they plan to reopen Fremont Diner with a fresh concept and staffing to meet the iconic spot’s popularity.
“While we’re closing the diner doors, the oven is still hot,” reads the restaurant’s website.
The couple also recently purchased Sonoma’s Union 76 Truck and Auto Service, for a future would-be second location. According to the Press Democrat, Erika Harris says they plan on moving forward with those plans as well.
In the meantime, there’s no doubt Sonoma and Napa will miss the Pecan Pie, Farmer’s Toast, and famed Fremont Burger, but we can’t wait to see what the Harrises have up their sleeve.
