Last Call! Deadline for Applications to Replace Ruby’s Diner is Friday

Restaurant owners, if you want a shot at serving your grub on a Seal Beach Landmark, your chance is fading fast.

The deadline for interested applicants who want to put their eatery at the end of the Seal Beach pier — the former site of Ruby’s diner — is 4:30 p.m. this Friday.

To see a copy of the application, which is called a "Leasehold Interest" for the space, click the pdf below the image on the right.

“We need to fill that space at that location,” said Jim Basham, city director of community development. “We don’t want to see the space go vacant or dormant for a considerable amount of time.”

Especially, Basham added, since it’s “a focal point in our community."

“We want to make sure we get the top operator to occupy that facility that is the most appropriate for the community,” Basham said.

According to the city website, Seal Beach is “interested in leasing the family dining entertainment facility to a dynamic restaurant operator who brings a legacy of fun and casual dining for all ages.”

“The Restaurant operator must demonstrate a sincere desire to continue offering a wonderful dining experience to visitors and residents and who is willing to engage in community events,” the website states.

In January,  the city announced Ruby’s diner would be leaving the pier after 25 years, and many patrons said they were sad to see the local landmark vanish.

The last day of business was Jan. 6, and the last day to move out was Jan. 10.

After Ruby’s closure, the city began an official search for a new restaurant to fill the spot, asking for interested businesses to fill out an application by Feb. 22.

One applicant,  by the deadline.

However after a number of restaurants expressed interest but wanted more time, Seal Beach extended the deadline to April 12. Basham said he disagreed with some residents who said the original date had been extended because the city had some sort of bias against Haack or against Ruby’s.

“There were other operators that were interested and needed more time,” Basham said.

Basham said he hadn’t spoken with the city’s property management company recently and didn’t’ know which operators had already filed paperwork.

However he said, he’s certain that some of the businesses will wait till the last minute, “using as much time as possible.”

Stay Patched in! Check out some of Los Alamitos, Rossmoor and Seal Beach's other top stories here. | Like Los Alamitos Patch on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and sign up for the daily email with links to the latest local news.

Related Topics: Ruby's Diner, Ruby's closing, Ruby's on the pier, Seal Beach News, Seal Beach Pier, Seal Beach businesses, and business closures

What business would you like to see at the location? Another Ruby's or a new restaurant? Tell us in the comments.