Carmel's iconic Forge in the Forest restaurant is closing: 'We're devastated,' says owner.

Forge in the Forest owners Greg and Carolyne Profeta were fielding dozens of calls and visits from friends and loyal patrons all day Friday, Jan. 31, after the news broke the night before that the historic restaurant will be closing after its final day on Friday, Feb. 7.

Property owner Patrice Pastor and his company Esperanza Carmel declined to renew their lease. Greg Profeta says they have a healthy balance sheet and money in the bank and were hoping to renew for another 10-15 years.

"We're devastated, shocked and deeply sad," Profeta says. "It's really hard."

He says they've been "negotiating and trying and pleading," to no avail. They let their employees know of the closing two weeks ago and let the public know Thursday night through an email and social media.

In their email they said the restaurant had become a "second home, a gathering space and a place where memories have been made, shared and celebrated."

The Profetas took over the Forge 15 years ago, but the restaurant had been in operation since 1972 and is a beloved Carmel landmark. Built as a blacksmith's shop, much of the wrought iron used in the village's historic homes came from there. According to the restaurant's website, writers such as Henry Miller and John Steinbeck would drop by to drink with locals. 

Profeta says he hopes Pastor and the city will "do the right thing" with the space.

They've been helping employees find other jobs, and as of Friday, 26 of the 28 have other employment lined up. Some employees have been working at the restaurant for over 20 years.

As for the couple, they're not sure what's next. "Once this is over my wife and I have to figure out what we're going to do," he says. Perhaps another space or opportunity will open up, but he's not sure.

They remain committed to the community emergency response team they founded four-and-a-half years ago, Carmel Valley CERT. The organization boasts 54 active volunteers who have helped with searches for missing elders and children, evacuated people from floods in Pajaro and along the Carmel River and more. 

After the full day of talking with people mourning the closing, Profeta says they'll be busy all weekend with Carmel Valley CERT volunteering for traffic and crowd control at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

They hope they can remain in the area to continue the program they're so proud of.