Terrapin Crossroads Moves into Closing Seafood Peddler
San Rafael restaurant shuts doors at its Canal location. Phil Lesh-backed music venue to move in in February 2012.
Long-time San Rafael staple, the Seafood Peddler, will be shutting its doors in the Canal district at the end of the month. But, the music and food will go on thanks to Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh.
Under an agreement announced today, Lesh and his wife, Jill, will be purchasing the historic restaurant and turning it into an expanded version of his Terrapin Crossroads project that was previously proposed in Fairfax.
“It will no longer be the Seafood Peddler,” said Seafood Peddler General Manager Richard Mayfield. “We’ll be moving to another location in Marin.”
The arrangement will go into effect at the end of the month, but the Seafood Peddler’s new location hasn’t yet been determined said Mayfield.
For residents who followed the progression of the Terrapin Crossroads proposal in Fairfax, which was pulled from consideration by the Leshes in November after aggressive opposition from neighbors, the plan for the Canal location looks very different.
According to updates on a newly-formed official Terrapin Crossroads website, the Canal location will feature a dining room with a scaled-down menu starting in February 2012. The dining room will serve sustainable, local food and will expand its menu as renovations continue throughout the year.
The proposal also includes a music venue, called The Grate Room, where performances and concerts will start in March 2012. According to the Terrapin Crossroads website, the shows will feature Phil Lesh & Friends, “Rambles” with guests artists, jazz shows, wine tastings and Sunday morning brunch music.
San Rafael Economic Development Coordinator Katie Korzun said the city received an application for the project today, Wednesday morning, Jan. 4.
Because the Seafood Peddler’s use permit allowed it a banquet room with music and entertainment, the application with the city for the Terrapin Crossroads project simply requests two main changes in the use permit: extending hours to 2 a.m. and changing the main entertainment from parties to concerts and live performances.
“It’s a fairly simple thing,” said Korzun about the application process. Because the application had only been received around 10 a.m., she said they were not sure yet if it would require a hearing process, but “probably not.” There is a stipulation in the Seafood Peddler’s use permit that allows changes like that to be made administratively by staff, but city staff is considering notifying some property owners in the area.
Proposed changes to the building right now include just minor remodeling and upgrades to the interior.
Korzun also noted that the application, filed by McDevitt Enterprise, LLC, does stipulate that there would be a “more substantial project later.”
The official statement from Lesh also makes references to further upgrades later in 2012. The music hall, The Grate Room, will be closed in the fall of 2012 for major renovations with a grand re-opening scheduled for March 2013. The dining room will also expand its hours and menu later in the year.
After the Leshes's proposed community music venue project in Fairfax died, they have been looking for another location in Marin. In their official statement on their website, Lesh said he was inspired to move into the Seafood Peddler location after thinking about rehearsal sessions with Bob Dylan at Club Front in the Canal district.
On his site, Lesh wrote:
I was recently re-reading Bob Dylan’s Chronicles, and Jill and I started reminiscing about the 1987 rehearsal sessions with Bob that took place at Club Front, the Grateful Dead San Rafael studio/boy’s club from the late seventies until the mid-nineties. We were having lunch in the area one afternoon and decided to take a drive by the old studio. While we were driving around we went by The Seafood Peddler restaurant, where Furthur did some rehearsal shows a couple years ago in their Palm Ballroom. We pulled into the rear parking lot and we saw a large painted Grateful Dead logo with the words Buckle Up Kids above it. We looked at each other and both had the same flash – that the Seafood Peddler had the foundation for us to realize our long-held dream of finding a place in Marin County to make music.
The new venue is scheduled to open in February with the Seafood Peddler closing at the end of the month. It may bring more people and business to the Canal district, Lesh hopes.
“It would be really welcomed in the area and really use the restaurant to its full capacity,” said Korzun. “I think it’d be a great idea.”
What do you think of the proposal?
Michael
1:45 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
wow fantastic news for San Rafael and all of us Dead heads. Wow!
Theresa
1:50 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
This makes more sense to me than having it in Fairfax. It's close to the freeway, allowing easy access and good parking. Good luck to them!
David Edmondson
1:52 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wait wait wait... the Canal? Really? I mean, that's awesome, but it does seem like more of a downtown kind of project. Decent transit access here at least - only a 10 minute walk to the Transit Center - which means San Franciscans can take the last bus out of Marin at 11:25 (still too early) rather than the last connection from Fairfax at 10:30.
John Ferguson
2:04 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
I think I may be having a flashback, but we could use 'Further' as a shuttle bus from the transit center to the venue:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/10792061/ns/today-entertainment/t/ken-keseys-original-magic-bus-being-restored/
David Edmondson
2:18 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Haha! Not bad, not bad. Given that the place will be open 'til 2am, perhaps charge $35 for a ride back to the City after the show.
Kevin
2:14 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Could the Seafood Peddler be moving to the Southern Pacfic Smokehouse? It's not like they get their seafood out of the Canal!
Dick Steinbach
3:03 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Boy , I hope so
Ricardo Charducci
10:30 am on Thursday, January 5, 2012
Al Silvestri, the owner of the Seafood Peddler for the last 15 years said that he will re open the Seafood Peddler restaurant in another location "in a few months". Al is looking at properties in San Rafael, Mill Valley and Sausalito.
I hope he chooses Mill Valley, Sausalito already has several fine seafood restaurants like Scoma's and the Seven Seas.
Sierra Salin
11:48 am on Thursday, January 5, 2012
They should look into the old Good Earth, or the gas station property next door, and move to Fairfax!
Mari
2:17 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Instead of Murphy Productions/Famous 4 having to pay a fee to lease a space for a show - landlords should be paying these Three Musicteers (Erma Murphy, Daniel Patrick and Larry the Hat) to revitalize their properties.
Gabrielle Cullen
2:18 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
I think any new business, especially one backed by the amazing Phil Lesh is a great thing and I'm thrilled Seafood Peddler isn't closing, only relocating. Now it's up to us as community members to support and spread the word.
Dick Steinbach
3:02 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Too bad they didn't choose the Old Smokehouse location in Vintage Oaks. We need something upbeat over there
Mimi Newton
3:16 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Fairfax misses out on all the perks that would have come with the venue (economic, cultural and otherwise) but this is a great location and am looking forward to spending all my spare money at Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael!!!!
Brian Liston
3:32 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
I HOPE THAT THEY MAKE IT AN EXAMPLE OF THE BEST IN GREEN AND SUSTAINABILITY WITH REGARDS TO BUILDING, RESTAURANT, MUSIC AND EDUCATION! CONGRATS
Kevin
3:40 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
STOP YELLING AT US!
Mark Solomons
3:43 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
What pleasant news to welcome 2012 - now only to try Seafood Peddler before it pulls up stakes - never been!
Michele Rose
3:50 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Win, win, win...business, better menu and hot dog...MUSIC!
R Darcy
3:51 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
wait I saw someone putting up a sign in their front yard
Sierra Salin
4:09 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
I am sorry that it did not end up in Fairfax, and this is a much better location for a project of this size. Easy public transportation, plenty of parking, and few close neighbors. It is almost right across the "street" from the Borders location I suggested.
congratulations and good luck to the Lesh's and to San Rafael community. May it be a smooth and easy win/win endeavor.
Tucker Murphy
4:28 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
A big loss to Fairfax businesses, real estate values and the kids. Some Fairfax residents couldn't get out of their own way even for their own benefit. The town council did little to help.
I'm not sure this place fits in the canal district? I'm sure it will be a lot more profitable for Lesh though.
Here's to seeing another abandoned gas station become a parking lot for the next 20 years.
Jim - @MSM
4:40 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Hey Now,
I think this is going to be really cool man,
Walkin along in the Canal... in the Rain...
Life in the Bubble
5:33 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Once again, Fairfax loses out on an infusion of millions of dollars and ongoing tax revenue. All because of a few NIMBYs and whiners. Yet another reason Fairfax will be perpetually broke. With the loss of Terrapin Station and the "medical" marijuana store, Fairfax is going to be in the hole more than ever- yet the NIMBYs will still drive out businesses for selfish interest.
Congrats San Rafael, for being more business friendly and a huge feather in your cap.
Sierra Salin
8:53 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Hey Bubbley, what gives you the high holy know it all certainty? You are just as full of B.S. as anyone else, so knock it off with the put downs. You speak wit such authority and air. Cool it. Move forward and build community. Quit creating separations and divisions where there need not be any.
Suzie Gonzales Egri
5:33 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Best wishes to Phil and Jill!
Perfect location! Wonderful venue for a GRATE art experience in all forms.
Jeff Wagner
8:44 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Phil and Jill went to the Canal, to make music by the water
The wine did flow, the music did blow
And they laughed happily ever after!
mark burnham
8:50 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Central location drawing from Novato and Southern Marin, large venue, big bar, patio on the canal.. So much going for this venue, concept, and well known ownership. This is almost a "can't lose"..if they do it right. Good chance they will. It might not be great for George's on 4th (if it was closer in proximity it would) but "survival of the fittest" is the phrase of the decade.
Mari
6:58 am on Thursday, January 5, 2012
Phil and Jill will do it right - this is a much better location for a project like this!
I don't think it will hurt George's at all - the more music venues, the more jobs created, which is better for the entire community.
(That said, still hoping for a more permanent space for the MurF4thers...)
Kathleen Russell
8:13 am on Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Palm Ballroom has been my and many of my friends' favorite music venue in Marin for the past few years, so this is a perfect evolution for that great space!! And it's central enough to bike to!! I love the speedy timeline for this project as well- build your following right away and they will happily wait for the remodel to be completed next Spring. Synchronicity is an important force in these sorts of projects- so good for the Leshes for paying attention- can we assume it was a steal your face logo that caught their eye?
Yay for my city of San Rafael- now THIS is the sort of tax revenue that makes sense for our city. Now as far as George's on 4th goes, that place needs a complete makeover- the 80's vibe and terrible lighting make it unbearable to be in.
With the new Sweetwater in MillValley and Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, Marin will once again be rocking in 2012- very, very exciting!!!
Dave Steacy
9:14 am on Thursday, January 5, 2012
Kudos to San Rafael. 1st a baseball team and now a great venue for music.
I'm sure that Phil will make it the best of the best!
Kevin Moore
1:00 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2012
Now the new mayor needs to connect the dots with viable attractions.
Terrapin to Albert Park to 4th street to the Yard Birds building.
Kevin Moore
1:01 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2012
I wonder if they will have a parking problem. What is the capacity? Have a concert by the Dead members, Santana, or other local superstars; that place will be packed.
Remember Uncle Charlies?
David Edmondson
11:00 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2012
@Kevin
That area is awash with parking already. I should HOPE the city won't require more parking, especially given the relatively small changes made to use. It's extremely transit-accessible, even if San Rafael has made a conscious effort to marginalize pedestrians around the Transit Center (how counterproductive can you get?). A better move would be for Terrapin to contract with neighboring businesses to use their existing parking lots. The garage beneath 700 Irwin would be perfect - an easy walk from Terrapin, far less than parking at one side of Northgate and walking to the food court.
Maryellen O'Connell
10:00 am on Thursday, January 5, 2012
I like anyplace where drinkers can bike instead of drive. Very European! great to be a music hub again.
David Edmondson
10:42 am on Thursday, January 5, 2012
Just make sure you don't drink and bike - almost as unsafe and just as illegal. I believe it can be just as bad for your license as a DUI!
Kevin Moore
12:54 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2012
You can get a DUI on a bicycle or horse. Any time you are on a public road and legally drunk, you're fair game for the CHP and the police.
sailbystars
10:05 am on Thursday, January 5, 2012
With Merl Saunders Jr. opening up Fenix music/restaurant in downtown San Rafael, and New Georges, and now Terrapin, San Rafael is really looking like the music town it should be!! Hopefully this doesn't take the wind out of the sails of the Fenix project...
Scott Connor
11:45 pm on Thursday, January 5, 2012
Maybe it's the first step in turning the arm pit of Marin into to the jewel of Nile that it once was, the San Rafael waterway is a undeveloped mess. Don't jinx this project yet, changing use permit are never a slam dunk especially in Ssn Rafael. It's a wonderful start though and would be nice to see Lucas and Ghilito rise to the occasion and see the potential along the waterway...
Melissa Vincent
4:28 pm on Friday, January 6, 2012
I am so excited to see this is coming to San Rafael My office is around the corner, you will have my support! Melissa Vincent
Kevin Moore
12:56 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2012
The Dead become the (Canal) Beach Boys? <g>
Too bad the Seafood Peddler is going away. I hope it reopens in a viable location.
Paul Russo
6:33 pm on Sunday, March 25, 2012
This is a great Idea and location & Phil & Jill are such beautiful souls and very giving of their wealth. Was there last night with Daughter, Son & Son-in-law and we all had an AWESOME time and the snacks were d-lish....All the best luck Phil & your beautiful wife Jill.
XOXO
Ricardo Charducci
5:57 pm on Monday, March 26, 2012
Murphy Productions used to do shows at the Palms, but now they are doing shows at 142 Throckmorton Theater (the Throck).
I saw a show put on by Murphy Productions at the Throck a few weeks ago that featured the David Nelson Band. The show was fantastic.With Pete Sears and the former keyboard player from the Grateful Dead, the David Nelson is hot !
So, Phil might have bumped Murphy out of the canal, but it is really a blessing and a gain for music lovers in Mill Valley, and everywhere else too. There are no losses, only gains from this deal. Rock on Mill Valley !