"Construction delays kept Duke's from its planned reopening in mid-2025. After clearing the initial smoke damage and preparing to reopen six weeks after the fire, a February 13, 2025 rainstorm sent four feet of mud down Las Flores Creek and into the restaurant. As the team removed the sludge, they assessed the extensive damage."
"The location where Duke's has resided on Pacific Coast Highway since 1996 began as the Las Flores Inn in 1915. In 1944, it became the Sea Lion Restaurant, then Duke's, one of Malibu's most popular coastal restaurants to dine at with stunning ocean views. Duke's was named after a legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympic swimmer, Duke Kahanamoku."
"Similar to in previous natural disasters, Duke's parking lot became a Palisades Fire staging area for firefighters and first responders, as well as a temporary place for locals fleeing the flames to store and look after their large animals. Duke's longtime general manager Jimmy Gomez tells Eater that he will bring back 30 of the 126 employees who were laid off in 2025."
Duke's Malibu, an iconic coastal restaurant on Pacific Coast Highway since 1996, reopened on March 13 after extensive damage from the 2025 Palisades Fire followed by a February mudslide. Initial smoke damage was compounded when a rainstorm sent four feet of mud into the restaurant, prompting a complete rebuild to the studs to prevent water damage and mold. The renovated space features new drywall, plumbing, ovens, refrigerators, and furniture. The restaurant, named after legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku, occupies a historic location dating to 1915. General manager Jimmy Gomez plans to rehire 30 of 126 laid-off employees. The patio deck reopens with limited daytime hours Thursday through Sunday, with menu adjustments based on returning customer preferences.
Read at Eater LA
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