After nearly a century of operation, Cook’s Seafood, a local fish market and restaurant, permanently closed on Oct. 29. Management notified employees of the closure at 3 a.m. that morning. The cause of the closure remains unknown to the public, but the establishments in both Menlo Park and Pleasanton have permanently ceased operations.
“We are sad to inform you that after 98 years, we have closed all Cook’s Seafood locations Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026,” the message read. “Our family thanks you for all your years of service, and we’re sorry for saying this so late tonight. But we don’t want you to drive to work tomorrow, as the building is closed.”
The restaurant, which originally opened in Menlo Park in 1928, expanded to Pleasanton in May, 2025. The Pleasanton site took almost a decade to open and closed after only two years of operation.
Unlike a large-scale grocery store like Safeway or Trader Joe’s, Cook’s was a specialty fish vendor, a remnant of America’s fishmarket industry.
The closure prompted a heartfelt outpouring from the community. The front doors are covered with paper notes bearing good memories, gratitude, and sadness.
“Cook’s, we miss you already,” one note read. “In March, our son brought many friends from San Francisco down to Menlo Park for Bay Area’s best fish and chips for his 30th birthday. We appreciated your market guys and great fresh fish.”
“Oh my goodness! How can this be?” another read. “I was here every week and guests always raved about the delicious fish. Thanks so much for your many years of excellent service.”
Cook’s has seen generations of customers come through its doors. Most of the time, one family owned the restaurant. Roy Crumrine owned the seafood business for 63 years until his passing in 2017, when his son assumed ownership.
“Thank you for all the yummy fish over the years,” another note read. “My daughter grew up with fish dinners from the market twice a week.”
“You have been a part of our family for over 40 years, providing the freshest seafood with good cheer,” one message read. “I will miss you. I hope you re-open sometime.”
For many, the loss of this fish market and restaurant is the loss of an important local landmark. Cook’s was one of the oldest restaurants in Menlo Park, and it served generations of loyal customers and the local community.
