Council Will Consider New Santa Monica Pier Lease

The city council meets October 13, 2026, to discuss a potential lease for the former Rusty's Surf Ranch space.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Remote Work

Council Will Consider New Santa Monica Pier Lease

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On October 13, 2026, the Santa Monica City Council will consider a lease agreement with Santa Monica Brew Works for the space formerly occupied by Rusty's Surf Ranch. The proposed deal includes a five-year term and significant building improvements.

Why it matters

The proposal follows the collapse of a 2025 deal with California Roadhouse Inc., which failed after the operator contested local labor retention mandates. This new agreement excludes those specific worker recall and retention ordinance requirements.

The city would provide a $750,000 tenant improvement allowance to support the site, with an estimated first-year rent of $214,800. The lease structure includes a five-year term with two five-year extension options and a 3% annual rent increase.

The players

Santa Monica City Council

This local governing body holds the authority to approve or deny land use and municipal lease agreements.

Santa Monica Brew Works

This brewery has operated in the city since 2014 and is the proposed tenant for the pier restaurant location.

California Roadhouse Inc.

This company was previously selected for the site in 2025 before the deal collapsed over labor provisions.

The details

Santa Monica Brew Works would be required to interview former employees of Rusty's Surf Ranch during a 30-day window before opening at 256 Santa Monica Pier. The city plans to cover base building repairs including plumbing, electrical, roof, HVAC, and fire systems.

Santa Monica Brew Works began local operations in 2014.
Rusty's Surf Ranch closed in February 2025.
California Roadhouse won a competitive selection process in 2025.
City Council meets to consider the new lease on October 13, 2026.

Market Landscape

The proposed agreement illustrates a shift in municipal leasing strategy following the collapse of a 2025 deal due to labor ordinance conflicts. By excluding specific worker retention mandates, the city aims to secure a long-term tenant for the prominent pier location.

Residents may see the return of a consistent dining operator to the pier location after the space sat vacant following the closure of Rusty's Surf Ranch. The deal establishes a path for a new business to open while managing city-owned infrastructure costs.

The takeaway

The city council's decision will determine the future occupancy of one of the most high-profile commercial spaces on the pier. Locals should track the outcome of the meeting to understand how the new lease impacts pier-area dining options.