After redevelopment fears, Silver Spur will move into vacant Jeffery’s building

In 2024, the fate of the Silver Spur, a breakfast and lunch spot with more than 50 years of omelets and cinnamon rolls under its belt, suddenly became as murky as a cup of black coffee when the property owner announced plans to develop the land. 

The site at the corner of Soquel Drive and Mattison Lane is owned by real estate developer Lori Greymont, who outlined her vision for a 90-unit assisted living/memory care facility for older adults, inspired by her father’s experience, at a community meeting in October 2024. The Silver Spur and neighboring Soquel businesses would be demolished in order to build a three-story structure. 

This week, the Silver Spur got a new lease on life. After two years of searching, father-and-son co-owners Juan Valencia and Daniel Govea have found a home for the beloved neighborhood eatery at the former Jeffery’s Restaurant at the corner of Soquel Avenue and Capitola Road, which closed suddenly in January. They plan to reopen in the new location – less than 2 miles from the current spot – by October. 

Everything that keeps customers coming back week after week – the menu, staff and specials – will be exactly the same at Silver Spur 2.0, in an updated, modern dining room. Over the next four months, they’ll remodel the dated interior of the old diner with new seating, booths, flooring and paint. 

“Where we’re currently at is looking a little old as well,” said Govea. “It’s going to be a new change for the Silver Spur.” 

Jeffery’s, another longstanding Santa Cruz restaurant, originally opened in 1978 as a Golden West Pancake House. The all-day restaurant closed suddenly on Jan. 28, leaving longtime customers searching for answers. 

At first, it looked like it might not be the end for the 50-year-old diner. In a brief phone call in February, owner Jeffery Walsh told Lookout that he wasn’t comfortable discussing the status of the restaurant, and wouldn’t share why it was closed, if it had been sold or when it would reopen. 

But in April, a handwritten note taped to the door that said Jeffery’s was “temporarily closed” was replaced by a “for lease” sign. 

This fall, it will become the home for another beloved Santa Cruz County institution serving hearty Americana comfort food like eggs Benedict, sausage and gravy, and French dip sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.

When it moves, Silver Spur’s seating will double, from 62 seats at the current location to 126, including more counter spots. Wine, beer and mimosas will also be added to the menu. Alcoholic beverages are available at the Silver Spur on East Lake Avenue in Watsonville, which Govea and Valencia opened in March 2025. 

The opportunity came at the right time, said Govea. The Silver Spur’s lease is coming to an end, and the forthcoming development was on their minds when Jeffery’s became available. 

“This space will bring in more customers because of the seating and location at a three-way intersection,” said Govea. “And I do feel like we need a bigger space. We were too cramped in that location,” he said, referring to the Silver Spur’s current home.  

Valencia was the chef at the Silver Spur from 2009 to 2021, when it was under the ownership of Linda Hopper, an iconic Santa Cruz restaurateur who opened several eateries, including her namesake Linda’s Seabreeze Café in the Seabright neighborhood. 

After a short stint under another owner, Valencia and Govea purchased the Spur in 2022 and reopened it in 2023 with the original menu. 

“It’s going to be a huge change. We’ve been at this location for so many years,” said Govea. “It’s going to look different, and be newer. I’m excited for our customers to see it.”

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