The Brass Door in San Ramon to Close After Lease Dispute

Historic San Ramon Steakhouse Sets Final Service Date

The Brass Door, a steakhouse in San Ramon, California, plans to end operations at its current location on Christmas Eve following a lease dispute with the building owner.

The restaurant has operated in the East Bay for nearly 80 years. It first opened in 1946 under the name 8 to 5, a reference to the odds on a horse race. At that time, the business featured a small bar area and dining room and primarily served ranchers and cattlemen in the surrounding area, as well as travelers using Highway 21 to reach San Jose before the construction of the 680 freeway.

Name Change and Long-Running Operation

In 1955, the restaurant changed its name from 8 to 5 to The Brass Door. The new name referred to the restaurant’s distinctive front door. The business has continued operating under The Brass Door name since that change.

San Ramon resident Denis Pennington stated that he has been visiting The Brass Door for more than 30 years. He described the restaurant as a staple of San Ramon and a gathering place for the community. Other patrons, including Pleasanton resident Vince Fletcher, referred to long-time customers and regular lunchtime visitors who frequently dine at the restaurant.

Ownership and Lease Dispute

Current owner Shahla Azad said she purchased the business 10 years ago. She does not own the building and instead leases it from the landlord. Azad stated that she recently learned the landlord decided not to renew the lease, despite her offer to pay more money. She said the decision left her with no option but to close the restaurant at its present location, and she confirmed that the planned final day of service is Christmas Eve, unless the landlord changes course.

Azad noted that customers have been calling throughout the day to make reservations for what may be their last opportunity to dine at The Brass Door before it closes. She described the process of preparing to shut down the restaurant as heartbreaking.

Future Plans and Landlord Statement

Azad said she is actively looking for another location where she hopes to reopen The Brass Door early next year. She has not announced a specific new site.

8 to 5 Properties, the landlord of the current building, issued a statement acknowledging that the closure news may be unwelcome and unexpected. The statement also said that the company has only just begun exploring new opportunities for what it described as one of San Ramon’s oldest restaurants.