A day dreaded by thousands of its patrons has finally arrived as Nati’s Mexican Restaurant will close its doors for the final time the evening of Thursday, June 7.
Owners Marilyn Thomas and Dennis Kerr made the announcement on the afternoon of June 2 when it was learned escrow closed on the sale of the property to as yet unnamed new owners.
The reaction was immediate between both employees and customers, many of whom hugged each other upon hearing the news, according to manager Anna Boone, who was working when the news came.
Thomas and Kerr released a letter to customers the same afternoon that was posted on Facebook and has drawn dozens of reactions including numerous “shares” and comments.
“With the closing of the restaurant rapidly approaching we reflect back over the many years that we have been a part of the Ocean Beach community,” the letter began. “During that time we have met so many wonderful people–our customers– that we consider ‘family.’ The loyalty to Nati’s from the Ocean Beach community over the past 58 years has been amazing and so much appreciated.” 
Boone said it is not unusual to see families covering four generations enjoying the tastes that have attracted return customers, many of whom have been Nati’s regulars since the then one-room eatery first opened its doors on Jan. 10, 1960.
Originally, Nati’s was owned by Vern and Charline Lontz who weren’t sure if Mexican food would be a hit in Ocean Beach. But within two years the couple added a second dining room to accommodate a growing clientele .
About that time Kerr began working as a dishwasher at the restaurant while a 16-year-old Point Loma High student. Thomas began in 1969 as a hostess. When the Lontzes retired in 1972 the pair were able to purchase the business and have owned it since.
The pair learned the business under Lontz’s guidance and Thomas recalled his plan. “Good food, good service and a fair price,” which many regulars would agree they have done well. Nati’s has been voted “Best Overall Restaurant” in Ocean Beach by Peninsula Beacon readers annually since 2009.
“Nati’s closing is a time of mixed emotions for all of us,” the announcement continued. “Our Nati’s family has worked hard over the years to serve the community and make Nati’s the landmark loved by all. Thank you for letting Nati’s be a part of your family memories. Nati’s will not be forgotten. We want to thank each and every one of you for the years and decades of patronage. Our customers are as much a part of the Nati’s family as we are.”
Sale of the restaurant was announced months ago and originally included a supposed commitment from the buyers to remodel Nati’s and re-open with the same recipes and employees. That, apparently, is not true although the recipes were included in the sale.
Since then, speculation has included a different restaurant serving a selection of hot meat and vegetable pies. Recent comments suggest the entire property, which includes the adjacent shops, parking lot and building to the west will become apartments or condominiums.
The corner of Bacon and Niagara streets has become a restaurant hotspot in Ocean Beach with Nati’s, Raglan Public House, Poma’s Italian Deli and the OB Noodle House Bar 1502, all attracting many diners.