Beloved Fish Market Closing In Dana Point After 4 Decades

DANA POINT, CA — Dana Point Harbor is losing one of its iconic restaurants.

Jon's Fish Market, a longstanding Dana Point Harbor seafood restaurant, will close permanently Sunday after more than four decades in operation, owners announced Friday.

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Owner Shala Mansur O'Keefe said the choice to close the restaurant was driven by personal and economic challenges.

"While I am devastated to be closing the doors, my health and the daily weight of small business operations have led me to what I feel is the right decision," O'Keefe said in a statement. "I look forward to spending more time with my family and being there for my daughters and grandchildren as much as I am able."

Jon's Fish Market opened for business in Dana Point Harbor in 1980 after being founded by commercial fisherman Jon Mansur and his wife Sharon.

The family-run business became known as a boat-to-table destination specializing in locally-sourced seafood.

O'Keefe, who took over day-to-day operations in 2018, continued the business following her father's death.

To her position, O'Keefe brought her own experience as a licensed captain and commercial fisherman.

O'Keefe, who took over day-to-day operations in 2018, continued the family-run business following her father's death, bringing her own experience as a licensed captain and commercial fisherman.

Dana Point Harbor Partners, which is overseeing a broader revitalization of the harbor, said it was saddened by the closure but remains open to future possibilities.

"We are deeply saddened to see this harbor mainstay leave so unexpectedly," said Bryon Ward of Dana Point Harbor Partners. "We had hoped Jon's Fish Market would evolve alongside the completed harbor project and had ongoing discussions to support its next chapter. We support Shala in this difficult decision, and our doors remain open should circumstances change."

The restaurant weathered challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving business conditions, while expanding its offerings and participating in the Dana Point Harbor Certified Farmers Market, officials said.