Linda’s Soda Bar & Grill, a longtime soda fountain-style diner on Plumas Street in Yuba City, closed its doors on Sunday, ending decades as a local gathering place. Owner Lori Pack attributed the closure to challenging economic conditions that have made operating the business unsustainable.
Pack, who has worked at the diner for 30 years and owned it for the last five, explained the escalating financial pressures. “At first it was the food costs going up so high,” she stated, adding that soon after, gas prices began to rise. These factors combined to reduce customer traffic. “People aren’t going out. They’re just not going out as much as they used to,” Pack observed while packing up the restaurant on Thursday with assistance from former employees, family, and friends.
A Yuba City native, Pack’s journey with the diner began more than two decades ago when she worked for the previous owners, the Trimbles, for a year. She later returned to work for Linda McKenna, the restaurant’s namesake, for 21 years before taking over ownership. Pack reflected on the demanding nature of her roles, stating, “I was a cook, dishwasher, manager, waitress, hostess — I did it all. That’s what happens when you become an owner.”
The economic strain had deep impacts on the business and its staff. Pack mentioned having to lay off "good people" over the years due to declining finances, describing the current year as the worst. Lately, she had been working seven days a week to keep the diner afloat. “Our income — daily amounts that we made — have just gone down quite considerably,” Pack mentioned, leading to an inability to pay the bills.
Despite the closure, Pack expressed her love for the restaurant and its potential future. "I love the restaurant and I think it’s amazing," she said. "I’m sure it will be great again. It’s just a matter of time getting someone in here." Pack also conveyed what she will miss most: her customers. "I’m going to miss all the customers," she shared. "We had so many regulars, and so many just wonderful customers. I’m going to miss everything about this place. I’m going to miss coming in and basically just seeing them. This has been such a big part of my life, and it’s really sad."
The diner, known for its '50s decor reminiscent of old Woolworth’s stores, served a classic menu that drew in regulars. Customers could enjoy burgers and fries, cold sandwiches, milkshakes in six flavors, malts, root beer floats, and pie by the slice, often accompanied by coffee and conversation.
The closure deeply affected employees and loyal patrons. Kelly Davis, a waitress at Linda’s for about eight years and a 69-year-old veteran food service worker, described the emotional toll. "I cried. I’m still crying," Davis said, adding, "This is my life. I woke up every morning just to come here." She will miss hearing about the customers’ children and grandchildren. Mike Macon, whose business is Macon’s Plumbing, was not only the house plumber but also a faithful customer who came for the biscuits and gravy. Macon noted he will miss the people he befriended and the unique atmosphere. "I made lots of friends here," Macon commented, continuing, "and the breakfast, you know, you don’t get this small-town feel anywhere else."
Davis lamented the broader implications of the closure. "I’m not sad for myself as much as I am for the people," she stated. "Because they came. Some people this is what they woke up to do. They couldn’t wait to get here and visit and have coffee and have pie and have breakfast." She emphasized the loss for the community, sighing, "It’s so sad because we’re ‘ma and pa’s,’ and there’s no more of them."
Lori Pack is currently seeking a buyer for the diner, hoping someone will take interest in continuing its legacy on Plumas Street.