Staple Vancouver waterfront restaurant will close as owners retire

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Bittersweet celebrations are in store for Vancouver restaurateurs who will shut down their business following almost three decades on the Columbia River.

On Monday, Beaches Restaurant and Bar announced that it would be closing at the end of 2024. Co-owners Mark Matthias and Ali Novinger plan to retire and “go out with a big bang” after 29 years of the business.

“When you're passionate about the business you're in and the community that you're involved with, it can consume your time and we just thought, ‘You know, we're just coming off of another record year. We love the team we're working with. Let's go out on top,’” Matthias said.

The Vancouver mainstay is well known for its New American fare, but the co-owner told KOIN 6 the waterfront restaurant goes beyond just food and beverage; Beaches has also been community-oriented.

According to the website, the business has hosted multiple charity events since its opening in 1995. It has also partnered with local organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Washington and the Vancouver Women’s Foundation.

And during the COVID-19 pandemic, KOIN 6 reported on the restaurant’s efforts to feed food-service workers amid layoffs.

“We've just had the privilege of helping people in the community… It’s just been a really cool ride for us,” Matthias said.

Although the Beaches name will leave with its owners, the future of the property is still up in the air. Matthias announced that C.E. John, a Vancouver-based commercial real estate company, is considering other businesses to take over the space.

In the meantime, the restaurant is planning to host its going away party and final charity event on New Year’s Eve.

Despite the co-owners upcoming retirement, they will continue living in Vancouver.

“They can’t get rid of us that easy,” Matthias said.