Dell Cafe Closing Next Month

After 22 years of serving breakfast and lunch to Castro Valley, the owner of the historic Dell Cafe says he will close the doors for good sometime at the end of January 2022.

“We’re so very thankful and grateful for all of the support we have gotten over the years with our loyal customers and people who have tried us for the first time,” owner, Said “Sam,” Nabhan told the Forum. 

The building on Castro Valley Boulevard first opened in 1940 and has been a staple for multiple generations of families in the East Bay. The 50-seat restaurant with bright crimson seats and a classic luncheon counter design was one of the only places to get custom omelets and burgers in town before even the downtown shopping area was built.

“I've been coming here since I was like 10 years old. 22 years later, I now live in San Leandro but come here almost every Sunday, or as much as I can,” said San Leandro resident Ricardo who asked his last name not be used.

The closure is a result of the property being sold earlier this year. Nabhan said the property management company had been pressuring him to close his doors and even served eviction papers, which are currently being reviewed by the courts. Even if Nabhan and his family can survive the court decision, Sam says the difficult process of trying to keep the Dell Cafe open helped him decide to hang up his apron.

“At 75, I have a lot of great memories here,” Nabhan said. “Ninety percent of our customers are regulars and we have been happy to serve them and the community.”

The Cafe is one of the few remaining historical landmarks in Castro Valley. An online petition on Change.org entitled “Save Dell Café!” is asking the Alameda County Historical Committee to save the cultural and historical landmark.

Add your name to the list here:

https://www.change.org/p/county-historical-committee-save-dell-café