Iconic restaurant leaves Guadalupe

Posted: Oct 7, 2012 6:52 PM by Hope Hanselman, KSBY News
Updated: Oct 8, 2012 5:25 AM

Many people on the Central Coast are saying goodbye today to a local institution that has brought the town of Guadalupe world-wide recognition.

It's the Far Western Tavern's last day of business before they move to a new location in Old Orcutt.

It's really no wonder why so many people came out to bid the Far Western Goodbye. It's been in the same location for 54 years and had it's fair share of visitors from politicians to cowboys.

There was rich conversation around the tables Sunday as visitors recalled about half a century's worth of history.

"You start laughing and thinking about what we 30 years ago here, 20 years ago," Paul Righetti, Co-Owner of the restaurant, said.

If these walls could talk they'd share the secrets of thousands of birthdays, anniversaries and dinner conversations.

"I've been coming since 1958 when it opened with family as a youngster and then ever since," Jim Glines, of Santa Maria, said.

The Far Western was the scene of the crime for Righetti's endless pranks. On Sunday, he agreed to allow friends ride a motorcycle through the bar and out the front door.

"When you get a bunch of old cowboys together things could happen on a moment's notice," he explained.

The building is about a century old, but it's age is best measured in memories like the ones shared over Sunday's brunch.

If these walls could talk they'd have a story to tell.
But, then again, maybe it's best they can't.

"When you get ready to close a chapter and open a new one, you stop and analyze and think about the memories you had," Righetti said. "It kind of touches your heart," he said.

Owners of the restaurant had a priest bless the building on Sunday. It's in honor of the many years that served them and the town so well.

The state is now requiring two-story buildings, like this one, to be retrofitted for earthquake safety. But, owners say the cost is too high to keep the business there.

The new location opens at the end of the month.
Owners say you can expect the same menu, service, décor and, of course, company.