Once-in-a-Lifetime Pillar Point Harbor Opportunity-Landmark Seafood
Business Description
Restaurant + Fish Market + Cantina > Major Growth Potential
For nearly 50 years, this harbor-front institution has served as a landmark gathering place in Pillar Point Harbor, one of Northern California’s most visited coastal destinations. The business sits at the center of consistent weekend tourism, boating activity, seasonal festivals, and year-round local patronage, creating built-in demand that most standalone restaurants must fight to generate.
What distinguishes this opportunity is its layered revenue structure and strategic position within the harbor ecosystem. The operation integrates full-service dining, bar revenue, seafood retail, and private events — providing diversification across multiple profit centers rather than relying on a single concept. Forward-booked events and established repeat clientele demonstrate durable demand.
A rare competitive advantage comes from direct relationships with the local commercial fishing fleet, allowing fresher product and favorable sourcing economics. This supply position supports both quality differentiation and margin improvement potential.
While the foundation is strong, leadership bandwidth has limited recent expansion. The core operations are proven, but there is clear room for revitalization through culinary refresh, elevated daily specials programming, refined cost controls, stronger management structure, and targeted marketing to Bay Area visitors and private event clientele. Pelagic Cantina presents additional positioning potential as a distinct draw within the harbor footprint.
The harbor itself functions as a destination. Visitors travel intentionally for seafood, sunsets, fishing culture, and coastal atmosphere. Dining is not incidental — it is part of the experience cycle. Major holiday events, summer tourism, fishing tournaments, and weekend traffic consistently support hospitality operators in the area.
This opportunity is best suited for an experienced restaurateur, hospitality group, or investor-backed operator who recognizes the value of location, legacy, and infrastructure already in place. The physical plant, brand recognition, and supply-chain positioning create a platform that can be elevated with focused leadership and operational precision.
This is not a distressed concept in a weak market. It is a structurally sound harbor landmark ready for renewed energy and strategic execution to unlock its next phase of growth.
What distinguishes this opportunity is its layered revenue structure and strategic position within the harbor ecosystem. The operation integrates full-service dining, bar revenue, seafood retail, and private events — providing diversification across multiple profit centers rather than relying on a single concept. Forward-booked events and established repeat clientele demonstrate durable demand.
A rare competitive advantage comes from direct relationships with the local commercial fishing fleet, allowing fresher product and favorable sourcing economics. This supply position supports both quality differentiation and margin improvement potential.
While the foundation is strong, leadership bandwidth has limited recent expansion. The core operations are proven, but there is clear room for revitalization through culinary refresh, elevated daily specials programming, refined cost controls, stronger management structure, and targeted marketing to Bay Area visitors and private event clientele. Pelagic Cantina presents additional positioning potential as a distinct draw within the harbor footprint.
The harbor itself functions as a destination. Visitors travel intentionally for seafood, sunsets, fishing culture, and coastal atmosphere. Dining is not incidental — it is part of the experience cycle. Major holiday events, summer tourism, fishing tournaments, and weekend traffic consistently support hospitality operators in the area.
This opportunity is best suited for an experienced restaurateur, hospitality group, or investor-backed operator who recognizes the value of location, legacy, and infrastructure already in place. The physical plant, brand recognition, and supply-chain positioning create a platform that can be elevated with focused leadership and operational precision.
This is not a distressed concept in a weak market. It is a structurally sound harbor landmark ready for renewed energy and strategic execution to unlock its next phase of growth.
About the Business
- Years in Operation
- 50
- Employees
- 42 (5 Full-time, 37 Part-time)
- Currently Home Based
- Yes
- Facilities & Assets
- Three integrated harbor-front businesses totaling ~7,000 SF (4,000 interior + 3,000 heated patio). Includes full commercial kitchen, secondary prep kitchen, two bars with ABC license & bottle sales, private event space for 120 (booked into 2026), and all FF&E. Rare CA Fish & Wildlife license allows direct boat purchases (~20% lower cost). 50-year legacy location with ample parking, 24/7 security. 3 years remaining on lease + options.
- Website
- https://www.ketchhmb.com
- Market Outlook / Competition
- Located in prime Pillar Point Harbor, one of Northern California’s most visited coastal destinations, the business benefits from steady tourist, boating, and event-driven traffic year-round. Harbor views, ample parking, and 24/7 security support strong visibility and access. Few competitors offer the combined restaurant, fish market, cantina, private events space, dual bars, heated patio, and direct boat seafood sourcing, creating a distinct competitive advantage.
- Opportunities for Growth
- Significant growth opportunities remain. Expansion could include extended hours, expanded catering and private events, branded retail seafood products, online seafood sales, packaged sauces or seasonings, cooking classes, and enhanced tourism partnerships. Harbor event programming, live music, and increased marketing to Bay Area visitors offer additional upside. The rare direct-boat sourcing license also supports wholesale or premium direct-to-consumer seafood expansion.
Real Estate
- Owned or Leased
- Leased
- Building Sq. Ft.
- 7,000
- Rent
- $14,500.00 per month
- Lease Expiration
- 9/30/2028
About the Sale
- Seller Motivation
- Due to serious medical diagnosis in 2025, ownership is seeking a qualified buyer
- Transition Support
- Seller will provide comprehensive transition support to ensure a smooth ownership transfer. Training will include operational systems, vendor relationships (including direct harbor seafood sourcing), staff structure, event management processes, POS systems, and key supplier introductions. Seller is willing to remain available for an agreed transition period.
Listing Info
- ID
- 2461662
- Listing Views
Business Location
Listing ID: 2461662 The information on this listing has been provided by either the seller or a business broker representing the seller. BizQuest has no interest or stake in the sale of this business and has not verified any of the information and assumes no responsibility for its accuracy, veracity, or completeness. See our full Terms of Use. Learn how to avoid scams.
Businesses for SaleCalifornia Businesses for SaleCalifornia Food & Beverage Businesses for SaleCalifornia Restaurants Businesses for Sale




























