Lafayette Daily Brief for Saturday

Here is a quick look at what’s happening in and around Lafayette today.

Downtown barbecue restaurant closes after eviction

A well-known barbecue restaurant on Mt. Diablo Boulevard has shut its Lafayette location after an eviction this week. A legal notice posted on the door returned control of the space to the property owner and bars the prior operator from entering.

The closure follows financial and licensing troubles tied to the site’s previous tenant, including a suspended liquor license that affected alcohol sales and profitability. The landlord has said the space will not reopen under the same restaurant brand, so neighbors can expect a new concept in the future.

For diners, the closure leaves one less casual option downtown, at least temporarily, on a prominent stretch of Mt. Diablo Boulevard.

Park Theater renovation moves into construction phase

The city’s latest weekly update confirms that renovation work at the historic Park Theater is officially underway in downtown Lafayette. Construction fencing is going up, pedestrian routes along the front sidewalk are being shifted, and nearby parking spaces will be closed for the duration of the project.

The renovation is expected to take about 14 months. Earlier hopes to reopen the theater by late 2026 have now been adjusted to the first quarter of 2027. The nonprofit leading the effort continues to raise remaining funds and emphasizes that community support is still critical to finish the project.

When complete, the Park Theater is expected to return as a cinema and cultural hub, bringing film, live events, and added foot traffic to the downtown core.

City and community updates for the week

The city’s weekly roundup also highlights a successful “Hello Lafayette” gathering at the library, where new residents met local groups, city staff, and community volunteers. The event is designed to help people plug into services, activities, and ways to get involved.

City leaders are currently recruiting for several advisory bodies, including the Crime Prevention Commission, Environmental Task Force, and Planning Commission. These groups help shape policies on safety, sustainability, and development, and residents are encouraged to apply.

Looking ahead, Monday night’s City Council meeting will feature a presentation on the Park Theater project, introductions of new police staff and the 2025 Police Officer of the Year, a discussion of food truck activity downtown, and other land use and event permits.

The roundup also notes an upcoming virtual community meeting on February 26 to discuss the Lafayette Reservoir Tower upgrade project, as well as ongoing senior programs, recreation classes, and recognition of Black History Month throughout February.

Sources

• https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/horn-barbecue-eviction-lafayette-21336613.php
• https://www.lovelafayette.org/Home/Components/News/News/10926/18
• https://parktheatertrust.org/