Destroyed Malibu staple The Reel Inn forbidden from rebuilding post-wildfires in iconic location
After the devastating Palisades fire, the California Department of Parks and Recreation has blocked beloved Malibu institution The Reel Inn from renewing their lease and rebuilding on their iconic Pacific Coast Highway location.
It's a sad day for seafood lovers and Malibu residents alike as The Reel Inn, a beloved seafood shack that has stood for nearly four decades, has been forbidden from rebuilding after the January 2025 Palisades fire.
The iconic restaurant, located on Pacific Coast Highway, was a staple for locals and tourists alike. However, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, which acquired the land where the restaurant was located in the early 2000s, has blocked The Reel Inn from renewing their lease and rebuilding in their iconic location.
According to Time Out Los Angeles, the state acquired the parcel of land as part of an expansion of Topanga State Park. The Reel Inn's owners, Teddy Seraphine-Leonard and Andy Leonard, had been leasing the land from the state for years.
Despite the devastating loss of their restaurant, the owners are determined to find a way to continue serving their loyal customers. "We are heartbroken over this decision, but we are actively looking for a new location to continue The Reel Inn legacy," said Seraphine-Leonard.
The decision has sparked controversy and outrage among the community, with many questioning the motives behind the parks department's decision. Some speculate that the state may have plans to develop the land for commercial use.
One thing is for sure, the loss of The Reel Inn is a huge blow to the Malibu community and will leave a void in the iconic PCH landscape.
Originally reported by