"On August 30, The Wall Street Journal reported that the State of California would not allow Malibu seafood institution the Reel Inn to rebuild on Pacific Coast Highway after the structure burned down in Los Angeles's Palisades Fire in January 2025. In a move that followed days of social media backlash, the California Department of Parks and Recreation issued a letter to Reel Inn on September 5 offering the possibility of reopening the restaurant on the property."
"The Reel Inn's reasonably priced grilled and fried seafood plates were essential elements of a locally loved gathering place for Angelenos and visitors for more than 36 years. The restaurant's iconic neon pylon sign greeted travelers going up to Malibu's iconic beaches; a day after the fires, its sign remained standing but was scorched. The wildfire completely destroyed the rest of the building."
"On September 5, the California Department of Parks and Recreation sent a letter to Reel Inn owners Teddy Seraphine-Leonard and Andy Leonard to "affirm [its] commitment to thoughtfully exploring a path forward that makes it possible for the Reel Inn to thrive on State Parks property," and "move collaboratively and amicably toward a solution." Seraphine-Leonard tells Eater that the Reel Inn "absolutely would" reopen."
A longtime Malibu seafood restaurant burned in the January 2025 Palisades Fire, leaving only its scorched neon pylon sign standing. The restaurant had operated for more than 36 years and was known for reasonably priced grilled and fried seafood plates. The State of California initially signaled it would not allow rebuilding on the Pacific Coast Highway site, prompting widespread social media backlash. On September 5, the California Department of Parks and Recreation issued a letter opening the possibility of the Reel Inn reopening on state property. The owners say reopening would require partnering with the state to install water, sewage, and power infrastructure.
Read at Eater LA
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