Beloved restaurant closes after 127 years
3 minute readPublished: Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 4:39 pm
Iconic Waterfront Restaurant, The Trident, Closes After 127 Years
Sausalito's iconic waterfront restaurant, The Trident, has closed its doors permanently on New Year's Eve, ending a remarkable 127-year run. The establishment, which served as a cultural touchstone during the counterculture movement, cited economic pressures as the reason for its closure.
Owner Bob Freeman attributed the decision to a combination of factors, including escalating operational costs and a slow recovery in tourism following the pandemic. A scheduled increase in the minimum wage set for 2026 also played a role in the difficult decision.
The building that housed The Trident has a rich history. Constructed in 1898, it initially served as a yacht club. Later, it became a jazz venue before gaining prominence in 1960 when the folk group the Kingston Trio purchased it. They transformed the space into a natural foods restaurant and live music venue. The restaurant was officially named The Trident in 1966.
During its peak, The Trident attracted a constellation of legendary musicians and artists. Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, and Joan Baez were among the notable figures who frequented the establishment. The restaurant also holds a place in cocktail history, credited with popularizing the tequila sunrise after serving the drink to Keith Richards and Mick Jagger during a private event for the Rolling Stones in the early 1970s.
Freeman, who restored the restaurant's original name in 2012, oversaw its final chapter as a landmark in the San Francisco Bay Area.
BNN's Perspective: The closure of The Trident is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector. While economic headwinds are undoubtedly a factor, it is crucial to consider how policy decisions, such as minimum wage increases, can impact the sustainability of these cherished establishments. Finding a balance between supporting workers and ensuring the viability of local businesses is essential for preserving the cultural fabric of our communities.
Keywords: The Trident, restaurant closure, Sausalito, Bob Freeman, operational costs, tourism, minimum wage, counterculture, Kingston Trio, Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, Joan Baez, tequila sunrise, Rolling Stones, waterfront restaurant, San Francisco Bay Area, landmark.