Overview
- The nearly 140-year-old Santa Clarita diner resumed service on Jan. 19 under operator Eduardo Reyna and the rebranded name Saugus Restaurant.
- Several longtime employees returned, the menu remains largely intact, and Reyna plans additional dishes, longer hours and possibly a happy hour.
- Former operator Alfredo Mercado filed a complaint accusing property owner North Valley Construction of breach of contract and trademark infringement.
- Mercado’s suit says he rented the space since 1998 on a handshake agreement with the late Hank Arklin and alleges the current owner told his family to vacate in late December.
- Loyal customers lined up for the reopening, and community members voiced interest in pursuing landmark status for the Railroad Avenue building.