Founded in 1960, Nati’s Mexican Restaurant has been a staple in the Ocean Beach community serving Mexican food and creating what’s known as “The Nati’s Family.” After 57 years of operation, friends and owners Dennis Kerr and Marilyn Thomas have decided to pass the torch and sell the restaurant to an un-named buyer. Kerr and Thomas own the corporation that operates Nati’s, a landmark at the corner of Bacon Street and Niagara Avenue in Ocean Beach. Kerr and Thomas began working at Nati’s as teenagers. Kerr, now 72, has spent 55 years affiliated with Nati’s either as an employee, manager or owner. Thomas, who manages the daily operation, has been with the business nearly as long. This week, they announced the sale of the corporation.
“The restaurant business is best suited for young, innovative and energetic people. Unfortunately, Marilyn and I no longer fall into that category,” said Kerr. “A new owner will bring new ideas and energy to the business.
“It is our understanding that the business will close for about a month for some much-needed renovation and updating. Thereafter, the refreshed Nati’s will re-open with the original staff and serve the consistent, Sinaloan-style Mexican food that has made it a local’s favorite for the past nearly 60 years,” Kerr said. “Marilyn and I are very proud of the staff that has made Nati’s the icon it has become. Our present employees are hardworking, loyal and dedicated to quality food and service,” said Kerr. “We believe that those who want to, will be able to continue with the business. We are particularly thankful for those we have worked with over the years, but who are no longer with us: founders Vern and Charlene Lontz; head chef Luis Bedoya and, of course, Luisa Allen. Luisa and Bedoya were with Vern Lontz when he opened Nati’s in 1960.”
“It is the multiple generations of loyal customers that have made Nati’s what is quite possibly the longest continuous operating restaurant in Ocean Beach, and possibly San Diego,” Thomas said. “Each year our customers vote us best restaurant in OB and support us with their continued and loyal patronage. We are grateful for their patronage and loyalty. Nati’s customers are the best!”
The purchase of Nati’s Inc., includes the business known as Nati’s Mexican Food and the real estate, according to the brokerage firm The Franco Realty Group, headed by Tony Franco. Franco confirmed the new owner’s plan to temporarily close Nati’s to complete some remodeling and immediately re-open as the same Nati’s Mexican Food. The Franco Realty Group – with Tony Franco, and including Cody Wippel, Joe Medina and Joseph Rote – represented the buyer and seller. Nati’s has always supported the community with donations and contributions. The restaurant has been recognized as the longest, continuous supporter of teams of the Point Loma Little League. “This truly has been a once in a lifetime opportunity and an honor to represent such awesome people. The personalities involved in this transaction were by far the most easy going, which is suiting for doing this type of OB deal,” said Franco.
Nati’s has always supported the community with donations and contributions. The restaurant has been recognized as the longest, continuous supporter of teams of the Point Loma Little League.
