Liberty Fish Company to close in January
After nearly 70 years on the Old Fishermen’s Wharf, Liberty Fish Company is preparing for what could be its last Christmas eve bash.
“We feel sad and we want to thank all of our loyal customers and people that have supported us,” said Liberty Fish owner Lucy Higuera.
The seafood restaurant’s lease was terminated after failing to reach an agreement with the city.
“We thought we were still in negotiations,” said Higuera. “I don’t think they want us here. Honestly they don’t want us here.”
Restaurant owners said negotiations ended abruptly and the city’s new agreement included an increase in rent they can’t afford.
“Last week I had six tables all week,” said owner Nick Higuera. “It’s just that type of year and with the holidays it’s slow.”
The city told KION they accepted an offer from Liberty Fish Company, which the restaurant later retracted. After months of extended negotiations they could not reach an agreement. Sad news for customers.
“Ever since my parents were dating we started coming here and then we just always came here like growing up,” said longtime customer Samuel Macario.
For the past 30 years Lisa Starling has driven two hours to Liberty Fish every three months for their famous smoked salmon sandwich.
“It’s the best on the wharf or anywhere in Monterey,” said Starling. “It’s disappointing that they’re not going to be here anymore.”
As far as the future of Liberty Fish Company, owners said they’re still fleshing out the details.
“With the city council maybe reconvening in March we’re hoping to get an extension,” said Nick. “Maybe see if we can maybe figure something out.”
City managers said they’re willing to talk.
ORIGINAL STORY: Another business on Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf is closing its doors, after failing to reach a lease agreement with the City of Monterey.
According to owners Nick and Lucy Higuera, the Liberty Fish Company will close at the end of January.
The restaurant’s owners say the city abruptly ended negotiations and terminated its lease.
Monterey officials tell another story, saying the city was prepared to accept a Liberty Fish Company offer before the restaurant took it off the table.
Today, KION’s Maya Holmes spoke with the restaurant’s owners about the failed negotiations and their plans for the future.
