Red Sails Inn takes sunset cruise

The Red Sails Inn served its last diners last night (August 31). A staple in San Diego since the 1920s, the restaurant was first located at the Embarcadero on G Street and then in its current location at 2614 Shelter Island Drive since the late-1950s.

It's many a mariner’s favorite bar and restaurant. I remember many times hearing my grandmother say that the Red Sails was “the last stop for a cool one” before heading home to her houseboat on Shelter Island.

I talked to owner Bill Dargitz on the afternoon of August 30. He’s the third owner of the Red Sails in its almost 100-year history.

“It’s all very bittersweet," said Dargitz. "I have relationships I’ve made over the last 25 years, really good friends that I don’t see outside of here. I’ve never seen customer loyalty like that. People have been crying as they walk out the door.”

I asked him if he was leaving because the Port of San Diego hadn’t renewed his lease. Dargitz said, “No, we’ve got another 11 years on our lease. We didn’t sell because we lost our lease. The way the port runs now, they would have put it out for bid when it ran out. We wouldn’t have been able to compete with the big guys....

“The Brigantine made an offer we couldn’t refuse. We are sad to leave, but from a business standpoint, it made sense. The port owns the land and building; we just own the business. We first said no and then gave them a stupid number and they took it. I thought they would take the name, too — they bought it, it’s theirs. But they are going to try a new chain [to be named Ketch Grill and Tap].”

Dargitz said that most of his employees were handling the news well and that most of the younger employees already had job offers. He said he has helped some of the older employees find new jobs.

“Brigantine said they would give them first priority, but some of these girls live paycheck-to-paycheck and can’t afford to wait four to five months for them to open.”

I asked him to share a fond memory.

“The funniest story is — because we have the name Red Sails Inn — we take phone calls all the time from people that want to book two nights and a queen-size bed. They always ask, ‘Why do you call it an Inn?' It’s something from the 1920s — places that served burgers and beer were called roadhouse inns.”

Dargitz said the patio fountain will be eliminated. "I think the new place is going to look really cool — it’s just not going to be the funky Red Sails anymore....

“The Sails [sale] came with all the stuff. The Brigantine really wanted the diver [suit], so that’s staying. But half of the stuff is mine and I’m taking it.”

What is his favorite thing he’s taking home with him?

“You are going to laugh, but there are pin-up girls that are framed in the men’s bathroom. My sister-in-law picked them out. They are tasteful, nothing newer than 1965; nothing rude or crude. I get so many compliments on the photos. There’s 15 of them. I haven’t decided where to put them at home. Also, original photos from the Red Sails from 1932 or 1935 — I’m taking both of those.”

What’s next?

“Right now, it’s retirement. I’m young, only 54, so I don’t think I’ll mentally retire. This is a tough business. I haven’t taken a vacation in eight to nine years. The kids are finally grown up and married. Me and the wife will do something. I’ll probably jump back in the game in a few years.”