Iconic Ocean Beach store The Black to close after 57 years

The longtime hub for tie-dye, smoking accessories, and Grateful Dead decor is shutting down as the neighborhood changes.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:23pm

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The Black, a beloved Ocean Beach store that has been a symbol of the neighborhood's counterculture for over 57 years, is closing down. The store's owner, Kurt Dornbusch, announced his retirement and plans to shutter the iconic shop known for its selection of tie-dye, smoking paraphernalia, and Grateful Dead merchandise. The closure comes as Ocean Beach undergoes gentrification, with rising rents and the arrival of big-box stores like Target.

Why it matters

The Black has been a fixture in Ocean Beach, representing the neighborhood's history of resistance and nonconformity. Its closure is seen as a sign of the area's changing character, as longtime independent businesses struggle to keep up with rising costs and the influx of national chains. The loss of The Black is viewed by many as the end of an era for the unique culture and spirit of Ocean Beach.

The details

The Black first opened 57 years ago and became a hub for selling tie-dye clothing, smoking accessories, Grateful Dead-themed decor, and other counterculture goods. Owner Kurt Dornbusch, who has run the store since 1981, has decided to retire and close the business. The store is currently holding a 40% off closing sale as it prepares to shut its doors in the coming weeks.

  • The Black first opened 57 years ago.
  • Dornbusch became the owner of The Black in 1981.
  • In 2024, Dornbusch said he was starting to think about retirement.
  • The Black is set to close in about a month, according to an employee.

The players

The Black

An iconic Ocean Beach store that has been a hub for counterculture goods like tie-dye, smoking accessories, and Grateful Dead merchandise for over 57 years.

Kurt Dornbusch

The owner of The Black since 1981, who has decided to retire and close the store.

Shannon Lamoureux

A vendor who has been selling her handmade water pipe pokers and roach clips at The Black since 2020.

Jonathan Castro

A 40-year-old artist who goes by the name Juda Lynx, and views The Black as one of Ocean Beach's 'jewels'.

Boyd

A longtime Ocean Beach resident who is about as old as The Black, and hopes the space won't remain vacant after the store closes.

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What they’re saying

“When you think of Ocean Beach, you think of The Black.”

— Shannon Lamoureux, Vendor (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“It's kind of a staple of Ocean Beach, you know? When you think of Ocean Beach, you think of The Black.”

— Shannon Lamoureux, Vendor (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Everything comes and goes. Nothing is permanent. Everything changes. It's time for movement and change on earth, you know?”

— Jonathan Castro, Artist (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“It's peace. It's welcoming. It's non-judgment.”

— Jonathan Castro, Artist (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“What I don't want in OB is another dead space that no one rents. Newport is full of those. The rent's too high on Newport Avenue.”

— Boyd, Longtime Ocean Beach Resident (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The Black's last day of operation has not been determined, as the store is currently holding a 40% off closing sale and seeing high customer traffic. The owner, Kurt Dornbusch, has not announced any specific plans for the future of the property once the store closes.

The takeaway

The closure of The Black marks the end of an era for Ocean Beach, as the iconic counterculture store that has been a symbol of the neighborhood for over 57 years succumbs to the forces of gentrification and rising costs. The loss of this beloved institution is a poignant reminder of how much the character of Ocean Beach has changed, and raises concerns about whether the unique spirit of the community can be preserved as it continues to evolve.