When Molly’s Reach — the iconic restaurant of the Beachcombers turned real business — went up for sale in February 2023, the owners said the business would remain open until it sold.
But in May, the restaurant’s social media announced it would close temporarily for repairs. An inspection found issues with the kitchen exhaust system were serious, and Molly’s Reach was anticipated to close for four to six weeks.
“Unfortunately, we are not able to run without this system, especially as temperatures rise,” a May 9 post disclosed. The restaurant was expected to reopen by the end of June.
Molly’s doors were still closed after the Labour Day long weekend. When you call Molly’s Reach, a recorded voice message says there is no proposed reopening date.
In February, a listing with Re/MAX Crest Realty included an asking price of $299,999, but is no longer active. It said the 2,000-plus square-foot restaurant is outfitted with a commercial kitchen and liquor license, with 60 interior seats and 24 patio seats. The monthly lease was listed as $8,500.
The building has remained in the Smith family since they built it in the 1940s. The Smiths also own the building that is now Lunitas Mexican Eatery — it was originally a family home — Smitty’s Oyster House and the adjacent marina. The yellow building that houses Molly’s Reach is not for sale, but the Smiths are looking for new tenants to purchase and operate the restaurant.
50th reunion
On Sept. 15 and 16, former members of the Beachcombers cast and crew will return to Gibsons for a 50th Reunion Celebration. While the event will be hosted at the Gibsons Public Market and a local theatre, fans have expressed their disappointment that the restaurant made famous by the show is still closed.
While the restaurant won’t be serving food, Nancy Chappel, the first actress to play Margaret Carmody on the show, shared that Molly's Reach is opening its doors for two of the reunion’s events. On Sept. 16, the opening welcome from 11 a.m. to noon starts with a land acknowledgement led by William Nahanee (Kwel-a-anexw). Jackson Davies — yes, Constable John Constable — will introduce his fellow former Beachcombers cast and crew. The schedule of events promises an “exclusive chance for photo ops inside Molly’s Reach, where you can step into the show’s history and capture treasured memories.” From 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Molly’s Reach will host a photo op and autograph session for those who missed the morning event.
This story has been updated to clarify that the Smith family owns the marina next to the restaurant, not the Gibsons Marina.
