Dining News: Walker’s Café; Lighthouse Café

Passing of an Era: Walker’s Café Closes

Walker’s Café closed its doors for the last time last month. The restaurant is owned by Richard Brummett, the son of Bessie Mae Petersen, the original owner of Walker’s Café. Brummett took over the restaurant in 1996 after his mother died, allowing a series of general managers to operate the unofficial landmark while he continued to live in Yuba, Calif.  

Motorcycle enthusiasts have been coming to Walker’s Café pretty much since it first opened in 1944. The café was off the beaten path, with no through traffic, because years before Paseo del Mar had taken a dive off the cliff into the Pacific. 

Bessie and Ray Walker owned Walker’s Café. Bessie Logan was born and raised in central Oklahoma and moved to San Pedro when she was 22 years old. In past interviews with Random Lengths, she claimed to have waitressed in every restaurant  or coffee shop in the Beacon Street area of the San Pedro Waterfront. Bessie was the waitress, Ray the cook. The Walker’s warmth, friendliness and good food was soon discovered by locals.

The café has been seen in movies such as Whatever Happened to the Black Dahlia? and Chinatown.

As a side note, the iconic Walker’s Café store sign featuring two mermaids has gone missing. It’s not clear if Mr. Brummett or a Walker’s Café enthusiast took it home as a keepsake.

Lighthouse Café is Now Open … Again

The Lighthouse Café is finally open after closing after a brief reopening this past August, following months of renovations. The café had changed hands while retaining most of its menu and staff. The Point Fermin area café reopened on Nov. 6.

Cindy and Jason Fogle, the new owners, have a long-time connection with San Pedro. Jason Fogle was born in San Pedro and his father worked at a San Pedro hospital for 30 years. 

The Fogles made a same-day offer and soon after they became owners of the new Lighthouse Café. Then they shut it down to do a full renovation. 

The building is 100 years old. Renovations ranged from exposing an original brick wall that adds to the ambience to installing new plumbing and wiring. They also put in a garage door on the side of the café, letting in light and fresh air.  The Fogles plan to add new dishes, such as a Monday football night special. They also are recruiting more cooks who are bringing new ideas. 

The Fogles are pleased with the response the new Lighthouse Café has been met with. 

“The reception has been great, the neighborhood’s been great [and] the regulars have been wonderful,” Cindy Fogle said.