Sausalito Business Update: Lighthouse Opening Soon & More
Hi Positive People,
It's been a while since our last business update — and we have a lot of exciting news to share. And the timing feels right: 90% of you who responded to our survey rated filling our empty storefronts and restaurants as very to extremely important.
We hear you, and we're happy to report that things are moving.
Let's dive in.
(P.S. if you're not on our mailing list, sign up at positivepeopleforsausalito.com to get these updates delivered straight to your inbox.)
🍽️ The Lighthouse Bar & Grill Opens in April
After 22 months of navigating permits, inspections, and the winding road of opening a restaurant in Marin County, The Lighthouse Bar & Grill — in the former Seafood Peddler space — will begin taking reservations on April 2nd.
Adrian and I recently met with owner Gerner Andresen and his son Kenneth for a sneak peek of the space, and came away genuinely inspired. Gerner and his wife Annette moved from Denmark to Sausalito and opened the beloved Lighthouse Cafe on Bridgeway back in 1992. Today, the family also operates a Lighthouse Bar & Grill in Mill Valley and a Lighthouse Café in Corte Madera.
Their new menu will feature fresh seafood — including crab and lobster — and the big addition: prime steak and lamb. We can't wait to dine there.
In a future newsletter, we'll take a deeper look at what it actually takes to open a business in Sausalito, and what we can do — at the City and County level — to remove unnecessary barriers. Gerner's 22-month journey (versus the 3 months they originally anticipated) is unfortunately not unusual. It's a story worth telling because understanding what gets in the way is the first step toward making Sausalito a place where great businesses can open quickly and thrive.
One thing worth highlighting — the new formula retail rules that many of you helped make less restrictive would have removed a hurdle for the Lighthouse had they been in place at the time. Unfortunately, they weren't, so the Lighthouse had to jump through extra hoops to get their signage approved, given that they have three other restaurants sharing the Lighthouse name. The good news is that future businesses with multiple locations should have an easier time.
Mark your calendar: make your reservation on April 2nd by calling 415-332-1492.
🗺️ More Updates Around Town
Tasty's Joint | 43 Caledonia — The former Sartaj Indian Restaurant space has been leased to Tasty's Joint, and what is rumored to be a new burger spot. According to Marin Buzz, they'll offer burgers, lobster rolls, and more, and will be helmed by Chef Matthew D'Ambrosi who has won awards for his fried chicken at Blue Ridge Kitchen in Sebastopol. We can't wait to see what he does here.
Cultivar | 690 Bridgeway — This long-awaited restaurant is off to a roaring start, with sold-out seating on many nights. They've even planted an herb garden in the outdoor planter boxes out front to use in their cooking. We're told they'll soon expand brunch and lunch service to seven days a week — as soon as next month. It's wonderful to see this corner of downtown Bridgeway filled with life!
Inn the Pocket | 715 Bridgeway — We've learned that the owner of the boutique hotel and restaurant coming to the old Wells Fargo Building hopes to have all permits in place and begin construction this summer. This will be the second Pocket location, following owner Kent Ipsen's successful launch of the concept in Carmel-by-the-Sea in 2020. It's a beautiful re-use of this historic site. We can't wait for them to open their doors to Sausalito!
Coffee Kiosk & Neighborhood Restaurant| 304 Caledonia — The former nursery school space is under construction. Based on a planning commission meeting and approval in July 2024, their vision was to transform it into a neighborhood garden restaurant and coffee kiosk. We think this will be a wonderful addition to this stretch of Caledonia Street.
The Silver Sparrow | 666 Bridgeway — The former Amour Vert building has been leased to a company called The Silver Sparrow. Per their January business filing, which we found online, they will carry jewelry, clothing, packaged teas, and antiques. A lovely mix. It will be wonderful to see that long-empty storefront finally filled. We look forward to giving them a warm welcome!
The White Dress | 755 Bridgeway — The former Barcelino space, next to Burlwood Gallery, has been leased to The White Dress, a bridal boutique with locations in Corona del Mar, California and Bozeman, Montana. Brides-to-be and their entourages coming to find the perfect gown will also discover Sausalito’s art galleries, restaurants, and shops.
💔A Note of Sadness
Many of you already know that Divino's has permanently closed following the recent passing of its beloved owner, Elizabeth Nebot. Divino's was one of those irreplaceable neighborhood restaurants — warm, genuine, and deeply Sausalito. We are grateful for Elizabeth's years of dedication to this community, and we send our love and deepest condolences to her family. She and her restaurant will be dearly missed.
Is there something we missed? A new opening, a rumor worth tracking down, or a storefront you're curious about? Or an idea for a business that you think is a good fit for Sausaito? Reply and let us know — this newsletter grows stronger with your eyes and ears on the ground.
Here’s to supporting a vibrant Sausalito!
Sharna & Adrian + the Positive People for Sausalito Team
Who We Are:
We are a grassroots movement of optimistic, forward-thinking residents and businesses who support positive change in Sausalito. We are committed to studying complex issues and advocating for policies and projects that elevate and enhance the quality of life, economic vitality, and unique character of Sausalito.
