A Fresh Eatery is Set to Take Over Walnut Creek Yacht Club's Spot, Revealing Preliminary Information Ahead of Time
In the heart of Walnut Creek, California, preparations are underway for a new addition to the city's vibrant dining scene. Stillwater Inc., a venture backed by experienced local restaurateurs, is set to open at the former Walnut Creek Yacht Club location on Bonanza Street.
The Abu-Ghaben/Abughaben family, with a multi-generational track record of running restaurants in the East Bay, is behind Stillwater Inc. Rolla Zafer Abughaben, Fadi Zafer Abughaben, and Mustafa "Zafer" Abu-Ghaben are the owners of the corporation, with Rolla Ghaben also a principal of Lita, a Miami/Caribbean-inspired restaurant that opened in downtown Walnut Creek in 2022.
The liquor license status for Stillwater Inc. is currently Pending, hinting at the planned offerings of beer, wine, and presumably craft cocktails, suggesting a full-service restaurant with a bar program. The new restaurant will be named Stillwater Inc.
The family group, known for their portfolio of casual establishments, franchises, and trendy chef-driven restaurants, has previously operated restaurants such as Broderick Roadhouse in Walnut Creek and World Famous Hotboys in the area. They also launched Batch & Brine in Lafayette in 2018, a world-cuisine craft kitchen and cocktail bar.
While detailed plans for Stillwater have not been publicly released yet, the name and context suggest a new culinary concept may be introduced to downtown Walnut Creek. The filing of the liquor license in July 2025 indicates that progress is being made, and locals can expect Stillwater to debut later in 2025 or in early 2026.
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Stillwater is expected to be a notable addition to Walnut Creek's dining landscape, given its prime location and the pedigree of the restaurateurs behind it. As more details emerge, the anticipation grows for this exciting new venture that promises to redefine dining experiences in Walnut Creek.
The Abu-Ghaben/Abughaben family, with a history of managing diverse restaurant concepts, is gearing up to introduce their latest venture, Stillwater Inc., to Walnut Creek. With a cuisine offering likely to include food-and-drink options spanning beer, wine, and craft cocktails, this projected full-service restaurant is set to revamp the lifestyle scene of the city, not just in dining, but also through home-and-garden transformations, given their experience in casual establishments and chef-driven restaurants.
