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Jimtown Store, Healdsburg: Memories of this gourmet grocer stretch back to my early 20s, when a young Midwestern me stood awed at the artisan foods, antiques and other goodies curated by Carrie Brown and her late husband John Werner. It was an Alexander Valley treasure for decades, and the closure came as a shock and surprise to many of us. (Jeff Kan Lee)
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Bear Republic, Healdsburg: Another surprise closure, this longtime Healdsburg burger and beer restaurant shuttered after building and lease issues. (Christopher Chung)
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West Handmade Burgers, Sonoma: It was a short run for this Sonoma burger spot Garrett Sathre and his wife Nicole Benjamin opened in April. A long build-out, stymied by endless permitting, made for a rough start, and though popular, it couldn’t overcome the obstacles. (Robbi Pengelly)
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Stout Brothers, Santa Rosa: After years of trying to keep this Irish pub afloat, Chandi Hospitality Group decided to pull the plug in November. The family-owned operation also closed their Third Street pasta eatery, Mercato. (Courtesy photo)
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La Vera, Santa Rosa: This pizza institution threw in the towel after more than 30 years. Owners Ric and Sue Kade said they were ready to retire. (Heather Irwin)
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Tex Wasabi’s, Santa Rosa: I admit being gobsmacked by the coolness of this former Guy Fieri-owned restaurant in Santa Rosa. Hey, in 2003 when I arrived here, it was a nifty place to hang out and I’m not ashamed to admit I met my husband there (OK, a little ashamed). Though I hadn’t been back in more than a decade, the closure ended a chapter of Sonoma County history — at least for me. (Alvin Jornada)
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Mercato, Santa Rosa: Opened at roughly the same time as Chandi Hospitality Group’s Bollywood restaurant, the homemade pasta concept in downtown Santa Rosa never really took off, despite a full bar. (Photo courtesy of Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce)
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East Wind Bakery, Santa Rosa: A truly unique bakery featuring Asian-inspired treats and lunch fare. Its owners decided to retire. (Courtesy photo)
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Thai Time, Santa Rosa: It was mostly an office-lunch fave for downtown Santa Rosa workers, but I still miss the Rama The King spinach and broccoli with peanut sauce at this hole-in-the-wall Thai spot. (Heather Irwin)
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Gator’s, Petaluma: A burger and Southern fare restaurant offshoot of a popular food truck. The food was okay, but competition in the Theater Square area is intense. (John Burgess)
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Crocodile Cafe, Petaluma: A cute and cozy French bistro with delicious food that I’m sad didn’t make it. Another Theater Square closure. (Heather Irwin)
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Lowell’s, Sebastopol: After it made my list of best restaurants of 2018, Lowell’s announced that they’d be packing it in this fall. I loved their eclectic menu of locally-sourced ingredients, and owner Lowell Sheldon has been a pioneer in the Sebastopol food scene.
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Pamposh, Santa Rosa: A small, family-run Indian restaurant that was a neighborhood favorite. We loved their California-inspired dishes. (Conner Jay)
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Harvest Moon Cafe, Sonoma: A longtime Sonoma cafe owned by Nick and Jen Demarest sold in July. The couple recently opened a Sonoma bakery called Baker & Cook. (John Burgess)
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Mint & Liberty, Sonoma: A short-timer in Sonoma, with a diverse diner menu. Replaced by Picazo Restaurant. (Courtesy photo)
