HISTORY

The Crepe Place

Gary and Marlene Keeley opened the Crepe Place in February 1973 in a small building at the corner of Ocean St. and Soquel in Santa Cruz. The restaurant was so tiny that only ten people, if they were close friends, could be seated at one time. The food was unique to Santa Cruz; few had heard of crepes, fewer still had enjoyed them. But word spread quickly and soon the Crepe Place had outgrown its tiny home.

In the summer of 1974, the Keeley’s moved their growing business downtown next to the town clock, sharing a building with the United Bar. After the united bar closed a few years later, the Crepe Place took over the entire space, which featured the cooks working in full view of the guests. But, on Christmas Eve 1988, a fierce storm undermined the shale cliffs of the old San Lorenzo river banks that hovered behind the building, and tons of rock came crashing down. Suddenly, the Crepe Place was out of business.

The cooper house, the old court house on Pacific Ave, came to the rescue and a sparkling new Crepe Place opened late June 1989, where it stayed until the famous Loma Prieta earthquake destroyed+ the Cooper House and most of downtown.

Fortunately, a two story Victorian on Soquel Ave was vacant and, with a lot of work the Crepe Place re-opened in February of 1990 in the heart of midtown Santa Cruz. The 120-year-old, multi-roomed building with a garden oasis was the right fit for the restaurant’s eclectic decor and unique fare.

When Gary Keely decided to retire in May 2007, the Crepe Place changed hands for the first time. He passed the baton to two longtime friends, who are continuing the Crepe Place tradition of great food and drinks in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

In 2018, the Crepe Place changed hands once more to long time Santa Cruz locals Chuck and Vanessa Platt. Chuck’s passion for live music, stemming from touring the world as a musician for over 30 years and visiting several local restaurants during his travels is what attracted him to this unique restaurant and live music venue.

With the Crepe Place’s spirit and foundation cemented in almost 50 years of continuous business in Santa Cruz, the restaurant’s long-time customers can expect to enjoy the same delicious food and music that’s kept them coming back for years.

The Crepe Place, a Santa Cruz Restaurant