PITTSBURG — After 26 years of serving hearty breakfasts and warm smiles from its iconic harbor-side location in West Pittsburg, Big Daddy Ross’s Cafe is packing up its aprons and memories for a bittersweet relocation.
Tucked in a corner at the McAvoy Yacht Harbor, the last day for the beloved cafe is today.
Owner Arezki “Ross” Dahmouh said he received an eviction letter in October from the management of the harbor, which gave them two months to vacate the premises.
While the exact reason for the eviction remains unclear, Dahmouh said there have been challenges maintaining the harbor, including complaints about potholes, septic tank maintenance, and security.
Prior to receiving the letter, Dahmouh said management had been in talks with him, telling him that they may consider closing the cafe.
“But it was nothing official until Oct. 31, when they sent me the eviction letter, with two months to clear out,” Dahmouh said.
After further discussions, Dahmouh and management agreed that the last day for the cafe to open its doors to customers would be Dec. 22.
Dahmouh said he had been a loyal tenant since 1998 when his uncle purchased the restaurant from a previous owner and began operating it. After learning the ropes of running the restaurant, Dahmouh took over from his uncle, who retired in 2000.
According to Dahmouh, he’s always had a “good relationship” with the building’s owners, having been invited to various family celebrations.
“I mean, it’s their building, it’s their decision,” he said. “What can I say?”
When contacted by this news organization, harbormaster Cheri Chavez said she had spoken to Dahmouh.
“Everything is on good terms between us. The board did not want to comment due to the sensitive issue,” said Chavez in an email.
The cafe’s closure has left a void not just for the staff but also for the community.
Dahmouh said his cafe wasn’t just a place to eat, it was a place where people connected. Regulars knew the staff, and vice-versa.
“Customers cried when they heard the news,” Dahmouh said. “I cried because, think about it, I spent half of my life here; it’s something I started at zero.”
Wendy Burman has been coming to the cafe for a decade and regularly orders her favorite – the chicken fried steak.
“It’s family owned and operated, and they make you feel like you’re part of the family,” said Burman.
She also appreciates that the cafe is pet-friendly, as she likes to bring her dog, Jaxson.
“He gets hamburgers and water every time we are here,” she chuckled.
Stefan and Hannah Utler have been regulars for five years, after they discovered the cafe when they first moved to Bay Point. The couple are big supporters of local businesses.
“It’s sad that they are moving,” said Hannah Utler. “We want them to succeed, so we will follow them wherever they go.”
Utler said she appreciates the staff as they are “very accommodating” to her dietary needs due to her allergies.
“They really take care of me here,” said Utler.
Stefan Utler said he enjoys the atmosphere of Big Daddy Ross’s Cafe and prefers it over other area diners.
“I will miss having this good breakfast spot so close to my house,” said Utler.
Hector Rojas and his wife Claudia have been regulars for nearly a decade. They remember how the cafe looked in its early days before it expanded to accommodate a growing number of customers.
“We are excited about their new chapter but also sad because we come here often, and there are many memories here with my wife and me,” said Hector Rojas.
Claudia Rojas praised the staff.
“They make us look forward to coming in often,” said Claudia Rojas, as she and Hector shared their Denver omelet and half-classic breakfast dishes.
Michael and Michelle Newman were introduced to the cafe by Michael’s cousin three years ago and have been coming here ever since.
“They (cafe) won’t be able to get rid of us,” joked Michelle. “We will be following them to their new location.”
Dahmouh is at the cafe almost five days a week, which requires him to get up at 4:30 a.m. to arrive at the restaurant in time to get ready for customers when the doors open at 7 a.m.
For Dahmouh, telling his 14-member staff, whom he considers family, was the hardest part, especially during the holidays.
“Imagine how they will feel, knowing they will be out of work by the end of this month,” Dahmouh said.
Omar Sahib, who has worked at the cafe since 2007, feels bittersweet about the move. Sahib has seen it grow over the years.
“When I started working here with Ross (Dahmouh), it was just a small cafe,” said Sahib. “It was shocking when we got the notice. Many people (working here) have families, so we don’t know what to tell them.”
Sahib said he is happy to relocate and is thankful for loyal customers who will continue to support them.
Sharon Campos, a hostess at the cafe, said she used to eat there all the time before she started working for Dahmouh.
“I love this place,” said Campos. “The regulars who come in love the staff … almost feels like we are all like a family.”
Apart from regular customers, Dahmouh has also made it a point to help some unhoused individuals who come to the cafe occasionally for food.
“You should see how happy they are to enjoy a hot meal,” he said. “They have no transportation. Where are they going to go?”
Dahmouh is now on the lookout for a new location for his cafe in Pittsburg, but opening it may take months as there would be renovations and permits that need to be done first.
He urged customers to look out for updates on social media.