Temecula’s beloved Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar at Promenade Temecula is set to close permanently. According to reports on Patch and local chatter on Reddit, the restaurant will sunset operations on September 10, 2025, ending a 15-year run in the community.
A local favorite with a mountain‑town vibe
Opened in the early 2000s at the west end of Promenade Temecula, Lazy Dog quickly became known for its hand‑crafted American cuisine, ‘mountain lodge’ ambience, dog-friendly policies, indoor and patio seating, and happy hour specials.
Community events like dog-friendly dinners and family brunches earned it a reputation as a relaxed yet refined local hangout.
While the Temecula location didn’t renew its lease, the chain—founded by Chris Simms—is expanding in other markets. Simms thanked the community in a Patch statement, saying the company is grateful for Temecula’s support and plans to open new locations in other regions.
What locals are saying on Reddit
In r/Temecula, the tenor of responses runs the gamut—from nostalgia and frustration, to practical suggestions. The following were some of the most recent user comments as of the writing of this article:
*BagelBunnny: “Nooo, where will I get my road trip ahi tuna bowls now?”
*return-zero: “Corporate suits driving a profitable business into the ground just because of unadulterated greed. This is the same death spiral that led to Sears going out of business. When your only tool in the toolchain is to raise prices, then you are already losing.”
*rcahigal01: “Sorry to see them go, but we do need more mom and pop restaurants in the area, Temecula, Murrieta, and in Menifee.”
*PrinceJaytham: “I’m gonna be honest, I don’t think I ever went there a single time, and I didn’t even know it was still open.”
*Wuzard13: “If you have not had their version of a ‘peanut butter and jelly’ burger, you have never lived!”
*Sensitive_Fish6332: “If you want to make a change, email the property management. Talking about it on here is great, but it will not change anything. Let them know how much this will affect our community and how Lazy Dog is a major part of it.”
*GenXmarksthespot_: “Oh no!! My dog just had her 16th birthday party there in February (yes, I’m that lady), so that makes me sad. We will have to find a new place for her 17th”
Valley News reached out to Promenade Mall’s property management team for comment, but did not receive a response as of press time.
What will replace Lazy Dog?
While, as far as we and the internet know, the verdict is still out on who will lease the location. Valley News is asking readers, “Who would you love to see open in this space?” Write us and share your ideas. While on one hand, there is a conversation that mentions only a national-level chain could afford to potentially lease such a location, the other begs the question — what would locals truly benefit from?
Submit your feedback and restaurant wish list to Valley News, valleyeditor@reedermedia.com and maybe your ideas will help shape what comes after a local staple fades into memory.
