Time passes, establishments close, and the familiar scenery of North County San Diego is about to shift with the confirmed closing of a local haunt at the end of the month. Captain Keno's, a neighborhood staple for over five decades, is slated to shutter permanently after numerous property sale delays. As SanDiegoVille reported, the iconic eatery will celebrate its last day on September 30, concluding its tenure as a fixture in Encinitas.

The road to closure has been paved with extensions, originally set to make way for RAF Pacifica Group’s mixed-use development project. Completing the property's purchase prolonged the restaurant's operation beyond its expected June finale. Gerry Sova, the nonagenarian founder who christened the joint with his Las Vegas keno winnings, has ultimately parted with the establishment and several surrounding properties in a $10.5 million deal, but not before one last hoorah, alluded to in a recent Facebook post by Captain Kenos announcing the persevering service through September.

Encinitas is getting a makeover with three new two-story buildings designed by SmithGroup. They will include 45 condos, commercial spaces, and a new restaurant and bar named after Captain Keno, complete with a liquor license. The $5 million project will mix residential and commercial uses, with four condos set aside for very low-income residents.

Captain Keno's is still open, serving breakfast and late-night diners on North Coast Highway after 54 years. This historic spot will close as Encinitas prepares for the new Moonlight Mixed-Use Project. Many patrons are expected to visit one last time before September to relive the restaurant’s history.