Beloved Smith Flat House closes dining room, events to continue

The historic restaurant in Placerville, California will cease restaurant operations after January 31, 2026 due to rising costs, but will continue hosting events.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:39pm

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After years of serving the community as a beloved restaurant, Smith Flat House in Placerville, California announced it will close its dining room operations on January 31, 2026 due to growing financial challenges. However, the property will continue operating as an event venue, hosting weddings, celebrations, and private events throughout 2026.

Why it matters

Smith Flat House has long been a community gathering place and milestone celebration destination in Placerville, earning accolades as a top restaurant, romantic spot, and wedding venue. Its closure as a dining establishment marks the end of an era for the historic property, though it will continue to serve the community through its event services.

The details

Smith Flat House cited rising operational costs, including overhead and labor, as the primary factors leading to the difficult decision to close its restaurant. Despite efforts to adapt and expand, including new community programming and an increased focus on events and catering, the owners ultimately determined that continuing restaurant service was no longer sustainable. The January 31st closure date was chosen deliberately to provide employees with as many working hours as possible and ensure fair compensation.

  • Smith Flat House will cease restaurant operations on January 31, 2026.
  • The property will continue hosting weddings, celebrations, and private events throughout 2026.

The players

Smith Flat House

A historic restaurant in Placerville, California that has long been known for its fine-dining steakhouse experience and as a community gathering place.

Scott Tomblin

The head chef at Smith Flat House, who has worked at the restaurant for 16 years and is emotional about the closure of the dining room.

Mason Antonucci

The owner of Smith Flat House, who cited rising operational costs and taxes as the primary factors leading to the difficult decision to close the restaurant.

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What they’re saying

“I'm sort of going through the stages of grief here. But I've had some meetings and prospects and am trying to stay positive.”

— Scott Tomblin, Head Chef

“The public outcry about us closing has been tremendous. People are tripping over themselves in droves to get in this last week. It's nice to know we are appreciated and will be missed.”

— Scott Tomblin, Head Chef

“The costs associated with keeping us open - overhead, labor vendors - were the biggest factor in us having to suddenly close our doors.”

— Mason Antonucci, Owner

What’s next

The owners of Smith Flat House have stated the property will continue hosting weddings, celebrations, and private events throughout 2026 after the restaurant's closure.

The takeaway

The closure of Smith Flat House's dining room after over two centuries of serving the Placerville community as a beloved gathering place and milestone celebration destination underscores the financial challenges facing small businesses in California, even those with strong community support. However, the property's continued operation as an event venue suggests the legacy of Smith Flat House will live on through the shared experiences it facilitates.