Walnut Creek: McCovey's closing downtown, possibly moving to San Francisco

Television sets and sports memorabilia dominate the decor at McCovey's restaurant in Walnut Creek, Calif., Monday, November 3, 2003. (KRISTOPHER SKINNER/Staff file photo)

WALNUT CREEK -- One of this city's major ties to the world champion San Francisco Giants is closing.

The Giants-themed McCovey's Restaurant is set to close in February after 11 years as a downtown staple.

The reason for the closure? Owners of McCovey's, named after Baseball Hall of Fame first baseman Willie McCovey, decided not to renew the lease, according to a news release from the restaurant.

"Instead, they are exploring interest in relocating to San Francisco," according to the release, sent by manager Rick Dudum. "A move to that area would fulfill Willie McCovey's original dream of being in close proximity to the ballpark."

Restaurant Manager Paul Ramos told Bay City News Wednesday that details of the move haven't yet been shared with staff, and the new restaurant won't open for at least two years.

The last day is set for Feb. 2, the day after the Super Bowl, Ramos said.

When the idea in partnership with McCovey -- close friends with the Dudum family -- for a restaurant was born in 2000, growth in the Mission Bay area around AT&T ballpark in San Francisco was at a standstill, so construction of the restaurant began in Walnut Creek instead, according to the release.

The Dudums have owned and operated many restaurants in Walnut Creek. And apparently now with the Mission Bay project in San Francisco now growing rapidly, "the timing is perfect to move the restaurant," according to the release. A specific location for the new restaurant and the date it may open were not included in the news release.

"For our customers to be able to watch three Giants' World Series at the restaurant in Walnut Creek has been the experience of a lifetime," McCovey said in the news release. "I loved being a part of that and I want to thank all of our customers and fans who have enjoyed the restaurant over the past 11 years, as well as the Walnut Creek City Council members who supported my vision."

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Walnut Creek: McCovey's closing downtown, possibly moving to San Francisco