An iconic lakefront eatery in California has been forced to shutter as tourism dwindles and locals move away in search of cheaper living.
Jake’s On The Lake in Tahoe City announced it would be closing its doors for good at the end of October, with a goodbye celebration set for October 25.
After rising costs and the Covid-19 pandemic caused locals to move away from the area, businesses like Jake’s were left reliant on seasonal tourism to help keep them afloat.
North Lake Tahoe saw more than a quarter of full-time residents disperse between 2010 and 2017, SFGate reported.
Then, from 2019 to 2021, 94 percent of homes sold in Placer County were second homes or short-term rentals, according to Placer County data obtained by the outlet.
Businesses such as Jake’s began to feel the effect of losing many customers that would frequent their stores or restaurants, as many home buyers or renters moved away in search of a cheaper cost of living.
‘Jake’s makes its money in the summertime,’ Managing partner Jeff Hill told the Sierra Sun.
‘We lose money from November through May, and that’s the way it’s been for a long time. But when you’re nearing the end of a lease, it’s harder to justify that cycle.’
Jake’s On The Lake in Tahoe City announced it would be closing its doors for good at the end of October, with a goodbye celebration set for October 25
Businesses such as Jake’s began to feel the effect of losing many customers that would frequent their stores or restaurants, as many home buyers or renters moved away in search of a cheaper cost of living
The original owners, Sandy Saxten and Rob Thibaut, opened Jake’s as their second establishment while building their own restaurant empire, TS Restaurants, which has locations in Hawaii and California
Now, Jake’s On The Lake, that has been running since 1978, faces being demolished.
Redevelopment plans for the restaurant, part of Tahoe City’s Boatworks Mall, include destroying the mall and the businesses within to make way for a luxury hotel, SFGate reported.
The plans, while not yet approved, have left locals heartbroken by the loss of the iconic eatery.
‘Sad news, not just of Jake’s and Boatworks Mall closing n being demolished for a luxury hotel but for a way of life, including my own, that enriched and gave joy n family to generations. Jake’s On The Lake you will be missed. A new era is here. Let’s see what it brings,’ one user commented on Facebook.
‘This is a tough one to swallow,’ another wrote. ‘Tragic what’s happening.’
One said: ‘Lots of wonderful memories eating there.. four generations of my family have enjoyed meals at the beautiful location! It will be missed!’
‘This makes me so sad. I worked there in the late 80’s. Thanks for the fabulous memories,’ another commented.
Known for its view of the lake, Jake’s was celebrated as a family-owned and friendly business where locals would frequent for birthday parties, wedding parties or fundraising events.
Redevelopment plans for the restaurant, part of Tahoe City’s Boatworks Mall, include destroying the mall and the businesses within to make way for a luxury hotel
Managing partner Jeff Hill said the business is currently in negotiations and hopes to reopen in May 2026, but it remains uncertain if it would be possible
Its original owners, Sandy Saxten and Rob Thibaut, opened Jake’s as their second establishment while building their own restaurant empire, TS Restaurants, which has locations in Hawaii and California.
‘Thibaut wanted it to be a family place,’ an employee told the outlet.
‘And that’s what I think is so special about Jake’s, is it’s been independently owned since Thibaut took over.’
But as customer numbers dwindled, businesses such as Jake’s became more reliant on their seasonal work.
Hill told the outlet: ‘That cycle has only become more amplified with time.’
He said the business is currently in negotiations and hopes to reopen in May 2026, but it remains uncertain if it would be possible.
‘Jake’s is heritage. It’s history. People got married here, met here, even raised families through this place,’ Hill added.
‘The story of this place is long and beautiful. It would be hard to imagine Jake’s in any other location and if you were to move it, it would lose that feeling.’
Locals who frequented the restaurant shared memories of their happy times dining at Jake’s, and named favorite items such as the eatery’s hula pie
The restaurant’s closing party is set to take place at the end of the month, with live music and a hearty goodbye to the long standing icon.
Locals who frequented the restaurant shared memories of their happy times dining at Jake’s, and named favorite items such as the eatery’s hula pie.
‘If it is Jake’s time to officially be over, then what an incredible run,’ Hill said.
‘We’re so grateful for everyone who’s been a part of it – employees, patrons, families. Everyone who’s helped make Jake’s what it is.’
