A fresh eatery is taking over Walnut Creek Yacht Club's location, and we've got some insider info ahead of time
Walnut Creek, California is gearing up for a new addition to its vibrant dining scene. Stillwater Inc., a forthcoming restaurant, is slated to open at the former Walnut Creek Yacht Club location on 1555 Bonanza Street.
The venture is backed by experienced local restaurateurs, Rolla Abughaben and Fadi Zafer Abughaben, who have a successful history of developing dining concepts in Walnut Creek and the East Bay. Rolla Ghaben, one of Stillwater's principals, is also a co-owner of Lita, a Miami/Caribbean-inspired restaurant that opened in downtown Walnut Creek in 2022.
The family group behind Stillwater Inc. has a multi-generational track record of running restaurants in the East Bay. They have overseen numerous eateries, including casual establishments, franchises, and trendy chef-driven restaurants. Their latest venture, Stillwater, could introduce a new culinary concept to downtown Walnut Creek.
According to the filed liquor license in July 2025, progress on Stillwater is underway. The planned offerings of beer, wine, and presumably craft cocktails suggest a full-service restaurant with a bar program. However, the cuisine's focus remains unclear, with the name Stillwater hinting at a water theme.
If all goes smoothly with licensing and renovations, Stillwater could debut later in 2025 or in early 2026. The liquor license status for Stillwater Inc. is currently "Pending".
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The upcoming restaurant opening comes amidst a series of changes in Walnut Creek's dining landscape. Recently, the Classic Opa! Walnut Creek Greek Restaurant closed its doors after 29 years, shocking locals. On a positive note, the Beloved Walnut Creek Restaurant, which closed after 29 years, was also a topic of discussion on 925 News.
Stillwater Inc. is anticipated to be a noteworthy addition to Walnut Creek's dining scene. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new venture!
[1] The owners of Stillwater Inc., the upcoming restaurant in Walnut Creek, California, are Rolla Abughaben and Fadi Zafer Abughaben. (Source: ABC records)
1) The owners of Stillwater Inc., the upcoming restaurant in Walnut Creek, California, are not only experienced restaurateurs but also the co-owners of Lita, a Miami/Caribbean-inspired eatery in downtown Walnut Creek.
2) Alongside offering a diverse dining experience, Stillwater Inc. might also bring a fresh perspective to home-and-garden aesthetics, given the renovations at the former Walnut Creek Yacht Club location. The new venture's stylish ambiance is expected to contribute to the overall lifestyle enhancement in the area.
