Dittmer's Announces Possible Move to Los Altos

caused to close, meat-lovers in the region have waited patienty, and at times anxiously, for the store to reopen.

Today, however, all received a mixture of good and bad news via Dittmer's Facebook page, including that the meat market will likely leave Mountain View.

"It is with great regret that we announce that Dittmer’s will not be open for the coming holiday season," the status update stated. "Rest assured that we have made genuine progress towards reopening."

The update explained that negotiations for a new location in Mountain View "fell through leading to greater delays than we had anticipated." There had been rumors that the new location would have been in the vicinity of Clarkwood Plaza on El Camino Real, about a mile from the old location on San Antonio Road. Attempts to reach the Dittmer's family directly by Mountain View Patch have been unsuccessful.

But the good news for Dittmer's 2,600 plus Facebook friends? The delicatessan could open early next year.

"The silver lining is that we are close to securing an even better location," the status continued. "The design phase for the new location has been submitted to the City of Los Altos. We expect to reopen early 2012."

Within an hour of the Facebook post, the reaction from fans has been swift with 52 comments left so far.

"So sad. Where oh where is the Facebook "dislike" button,??!?!" said Casey Leedom. "When you're able to get reopened, please send out a Grand Reopening announcement and we'll turn it into a party!"

Some urged the City of Los Altos to cooperate and approve Dittmer's designs as soon as possible.

"Dear City of Los Altos - please approve Dittmer's permits," said Eileen Tse. "I miss their merguez. And their ham hocks."

Most expressed how the upcoming holiday season wouldn't be the same without Dittmer's meats.

"We all know that you were trying to open for us and the holiday season, but stuff happens!" said Grant Bennett. "Keep on keepin' on, and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!"

Dittmer's has been closed since Jan. 23, 2011 after a fire began in one of the two commercial smokers. The family-run store had been at its location on San Antonio Road for 32 years before the incident.