Beloved Walnut Creek Sports Bar Finds New Home After Closing Longtime Location

Massés, a 31-year-old institution, is relocating to downtown Walnut Creek after its previous North Main Street property was sold.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring repeating images of a pool table, beer pitcher, and plate of nachos, conceptually representing the iconic items and atmosphere of a lively sports bar.The vibrant new home of a beloved Walnut Creek sports bar will bring back the same energy, food, and community that defined it for over 30 years.Walnut Creek Today

Massés, a beloved sports bar and billiards hall in Walnut Creek, California, is reopening at a new downtown location after being forced to close its longtime North Main Street home. The bar, which was founded by owners Maury and Christine Paden in 1994 and later taken over by their children Milisa Barrett and Eric Paden, had operated on North Main Street for over three decades. However, after the property was sold and a Porsche dealership was slated to be built in its place, the Paden family decided to pivot and find a new home for Massés rather than shut down the business entirely.

Why it matters

The relocation of Massés is significant for the Walnut Creek community, as the sports bar had become a beloved local institution over its 31-year history. The bar was known for its lively atmosphere, pool tables, karaoke nights, and community-driven spirit, making it an important gathering place for residents. Its ability to find a new downtown location and continue operating ensures that this longstanding business and community hub will not be lost.

The details

After the North Main Street property was sold and the family's attempt to purchase the land fell through, Massés was forced to relocate. Barrett and Paden, who took over the business from their parents in 2013, secured a new 10,000-square-foot space on Locust Street in downtown Walnut Creek. They have pledged to bring back all the elements that made Massés a local favorite, including karaoke, wings, nachos, and the same community-driven atmosphere that defined the bar for decades.

  • Massés was founded by Maury and Christine Paden in 1994.
  • Barrett and Paden took over the business in 2013.
  • In 2020, the family attempted to buy the North Main Street property but were unsuccessful due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • In 2024, ownership of the North Main Street parcel changed, ultimately forcing Massés to relocate.
  • Massés is set to reopen at its new downtown Walnut Creek location on Locust Street.

The players

Maury and Christine Paden

The original founders of Massés, who opened the sports bar and billiards hall in 1994.

Milisa Barrett and Eric Paden

The brother and sister who took over Massés from their parents in 2013 and are now leading the business's relocation to a new downtown Walnut Creek space.

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What they’re saying

“Let us be clear: this is not the end. We're not going away.”

— Milisa Barrett and Eric Paden, Owners of Massés

“We've got some work to do! But we're excited to share our next chapter with you as we announce- our new home at 1411 Locust St. Walnut Creek!”

— Milisa Barrett and Eric Paden, Owners of Massés

What’s next

Massés is currently in the process of renovating and preparing its new 10,000-square-foot downtown Walnut Creek location on Locust Street. The owners have pledged to bring back all the elements that made the sports bar a local favorite, including karaoke, wings, nachos, and the same community-driven atmosphere, with plans to reopen in the coming months.

The takeaway

The relocation of Massés, a beloved Walnut Creek institution, demonstrates the resilience of small businesses and the importance of community gathering places. Despite being forced to leave its longtime home, the bar's owners were able to find a new downtown location and commit to preserving the Massés experience for their loyal customers, ensuring that this longstanding local business and hub will continue to serve the Walnut Creek community.