Image Credit: Costlo
(North County Beat) – For nearly forty years, San Diegans have enjoyed bacon, eggs, and plate-sized pancakes at Perry’s Cafe, the iconic diner located where Interstate 5 meets Interstate 8. Known for its zigzag roof and ample parking, Perry’s has been a beloved breakfast spot, but it will close its doors for good on August 15.
The land leased to Viewpoint Development LLC will be transformed into a seven-story housing development named Viewpoint Old Town. This project, situated on a 1.74-acre site, will include 223 residences, 33 of which are designated for low- and moderate-income housing. Part of Perry’s building, celebrated for its Googie architecture, will be incorporated into the new development.
Perry Eulmi, the owner, decided to move on during the pandemic. The restaurant faced significant challenges due to COVID-19 shutdowns, and Eulmi’s health concerns also played a role in her decision. She received multiple offers for the land, which her family owns through the Georgakopoulos Family LLC, and felt it was time to retire.
Eulmi has deep roots in the restaurant, having worked there since she was 14. She took over from her father, Costas Georgakopoulos, who was a well-known figure at the diner. Despite the emotional difficulty, Eulmi saw the decision to retire as a sign.
“My kids have witnessed the kind of life and sacrifice required to run a business and want nothing to do with it,” Eulmi said, explaining why she didn’t pass the restaurant on to her children or sell it to someone else. She feared someone new might not uphold the standards her father set.
On a recent Friday morning, about 30 people were waiting under the banner proclaiming “Best Breakfast in Town.” Customers, aware of the impending closure, shared their sadness and reminisced about the cafe. Randall Mueca, a customer, reflected on how the closure of Perry’s is part of a larger trend of long-standing restaurants shutting down.
Since 2022, several other cherished San Diego eateries have closed, including Andrés Restaurant, Pannikin Coffee & Tea, Krakatoa Coffee House, and Twiggs Coffee House & Bakery. The recent economic climate has been particularly hard on restaurants, with fluctuating costs forcing price increases and upsetting customers.
Perry’s has weathered various economic challenges over the years, including the early 1990s recession, the global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the financial strains of the past two years were unprecedented. In 2020, the land was put up for lease, attracting developers.
Throughout its history, Perry’s has hosted celebrities and politicians alike. Despite a fire in 2009 that caused significant damage, the diner reopened without fanfare, relying on word of mouth to regain its customers.
The staff at Perry’s, many of whom have worked there for decades, have formed close bonds with each other and their customers. Waitress Rhonda Ludwig, who has worked there for over ten years, exemplified the close-knit community by exchanging life stories and business cards with customers.
As Perry’s Cafe prepares to close, it leaves behind a legacy of community and resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of local diners.
