Big Sur's Nepenthe Loses $70,000 a Day as Timber Fire Evacuation Shuts Restaurant
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · Aug 12
Big Sur's Nepenthe Loses $70,000 a Day as Timber Fire Evacuation Shuts Restaurant
3 articles · Updated · Business Insider · Aug 12
Summary
$65,000 to $70,000 in daily sales is being wiped out at Nepenthe during Big Sur's peak season while a mandatory Timber Fire evacuation keeps the restaurant closed.
About 30 workforce-housing units were affected by the evacuation, with most staff relocating as the owner, his son and a small group stay on or return to the property for security, maintenance and fire preparation.
Highway 1 closures have compounded the disruption, effectively cutting off guest operations even though the restaurant says the road also serves as a partial firebreak and the site is not among the most immediately threatened.
Insurance could soften the blow after the first 48 hours for up to 28 days, but the owner said coverage is uncertain; meanwhile, perishables are being donated to food banks or turned into meals for first responders.