Iconic Pacifica Restaurant Housed in Historic Railroad Station to Close After 30 Years

Vallemar Station, a beloved community gathering place, will shut its doors due to rising costs and the owner's need to care for her ailing mother.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Vallemar Station, a restaurant housed in a former railway station along the short-lived Ocean Shore Railroad in Pacifica, California, is set to close permanently after 30 years in business. The restaurant, opened by Hal and Barbara Ash in 1996, has been a cherished part of the local community, known for its surf-and-turf-meets-Italian menu and warm hospitality. However, the recent passing of Hal Ash, rising costs, and Barbara Ash's declining health have led the family to make the difficult decision to shut down the establishment.

Why it matters

Vallemar Station was more than just a restaurant to the people of Pacifica - it was a community gathering place and a piece of the town's history. The closure of this iconic establishment highlights the challenges facing small, independent businesses in the Bay Area, where rising costs and changing demographics can make it difficult to maintain a long-standing, mission-driven operation. The loss of Vallemar Station is a blow to the local community, which has relied on the restaurant as a hub for celebrations, family gatherings, and shared memories.

The details

Vallemar Station was housed in a former railway station along the short-lived Ocean Shore Railroad, which connected San Francisco to Santa Cruz from 1905 to 1920. After the railway line was paved over to make Highway 1, only three of the original station buildings remained, including Vallemar Station. Hal and Barbara Ash opened the restaurant in 1996, and it became a beloved gathering place for the Pacifica community, known for its warm hospitality and classic American fare. However, the recent passing of Hal Ash, rising costs, and Barbara Ash's declining health have led the family to make the difficult decision to close the restaurant.

  • Vallemar Station opened in 1996.
  • Hal Ash, the co-owner of Vallemar Station, passed away two years ago.
  • Barbara Ash, the other co-owner, has recently been in the hospital and requires care from her daughter, Denise Ash.

The players

Vallemar Station

A restaurant housed in a former railway station along the short-lived Ocean Shore Railroad in Pacifica, California, that has been a cherished community gathering place for 30 years.

Hal and Barbara Ash

The co-owners of Vallemar Station, who opened the restaurant in 1996 and made it a hub for the Pacifica community.

Denise Ash

The daughter of Barbara Ash, who is now responsible for caring for her mother and overseeing the closure of Vallemar Station.

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What they’re saying

“When my dad [Hal] passed two years ago, that was a big blow. And my mom has been in the hospital recently, but when she comes home, I need to take care of her. I can't do both.”

— Denise Ash, Daughter of Barbara Ash (SFGATE)

“I went there for family dinners, graduation dinner, celebrations and many more occasions. Vallemar Station will always hold a special place in my heart. I got to go back to that place a few years ago. I got to see Barbara and my friend Donovan that I haven't seen in a long time. That place isn't just a restaurant. It's home to me.”

— Marissa Martinez (Facebook)

What’s next

Denise Ash is working to find a buyer for the Vallemar Station property, and once the sale goes through escrow, a firm closing date will be set. The hope is that Barbara Ash will be able to make an occasional appearance to say goodbye to longtime patrons when she returns home from the hospital.

The takeaway

The closure of Vallemar Station, a beloved community institution in Pacifica, underscores the challenges facing small, independent businesses in the Bay Area. Despite its long history and loyal customer base, rising costs and changing personal circumstances have forced the Ash family to make the difficult decision to shut down this iconic restaurant. The loss of Vallemar Station is a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses and preserving the unique character of our communities.