14-05-2025
Beloved San Diego Restaurant 'Abruptly' Closes After 65 Years
The popular Red Fox Steakhouse and Piano Bar in San Diego suddenly closed its doors on Monday after more than six decades.
According to CBS8, shocked employees were informed of the decision to close on Monday. All were let go, citing financial issues.
"Pretty much took him maybe two minutes and just said - I'm sorry, but effective immediately, we're closing our doors and gave some excuse of we're out of money," said Chris Tucker, a waiter who worked at the Red Fox for 18 years.
However, the official Red Fox Steakhouse and Piano Bar website says the location is "hoping to re-open in September if not sooner."
"Sorry, we are currently closed and are hoping to re-open in September if not sooner. We will miss you all and hope to see you very soon!" the website reads.
Tucker told CBS8 that any potential plans for restarting the business were not conveyed to the staff members who were dismissed.
Founded in the late 1950s, the interior of the Red Fox dates back to a 1560s pub in England. The materials were moved to California in 1926 and eventually turned into the Red Fox Steakhouse in 1959.
"The three original rooms, slightly different in design, have been combined to form a spacious 'tap room,'" says the Red Fox website. "The bar, back bar and the trim around the doors with the interesting small-carved figures come from Charles of London. The Tudor paneling and the fireplace with its finely carved mantel bear the date of 1642. The three arched panels tell the story of Rebecca and Isaac as found in Genesis, Chapters 24 and 27."
Originally, the Red Fox was part of the Lafayette Hotel, but in 2020, the restaurant closed down due to the pandemic and a planned relocation. Two years later, it reopened at 2223 El Cajon Boulevard.
Back in January, the Red Fox announced it was updating its hours and would be closed on Mondays moving forward.
