Celebration of life held for local restaurant legend Jim Gilbert.

Local restaurateur Jim Gilbert was a legend in these parts, at least to the countless industry people whose lives he touched. In fact, he was a legend from Monterey all the way to Florida, and has acquired so many restaurants that it’s hard to keep track.

His dedication to business will be remembered, as well as his unmatchable work ethic. Though he recently passed away after a round with cancer, his legacy is an inspiration to keep on achieving.

So echoes Kevin Phillips, his business partner for the last decade: “I’ve gained a much better understanding of business through Jim. He had attention to detail and a sense of the big picture at the same time. He had so much experience.”

Gilbert came to California as a young child with his family from the “dust bowl” of Oklahoma and worked in Antiochs’ packing sheds and fields. The Army provided a path to something better, and he ended up serving as medic in Fort Ord. That was in the ’50s, and it was there that he met his first business partner and oldest friend Bob Saleen. It was also at Fort Ord that he became the General’s favorite bartender, which inspired him to continue in the industry. Together with Saleen (and financial support from eight other bartenders), he ventured into the world of restaurant ownership with The Cinnabar on Alvarado St.

Since then, Gilbert has owned many spots that locals know and love today, and others that have become fond memories. From the ’60s on there was Jimbo’s Show Lounge in Seaside; The Elegant Rooster in Monterey; The Fat Admiral on Cannery Row; Tee & Turf plus East of Eden in Salinas; Malio’s and Ideal Fish Market in Santa Cruz; and Red Snapper, Crabby Jim’s, Oceanfront and The General Store on Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s enough to make one’s head spin, but Gilbert was a calm and thoughtful businessman.

“He was unflappable,” says Phillips. “We’ve faced a lot of issues in the last ten years, and nothing ever rattled him—he just looked for a solution.”

Together Gilbert and Phillips updated and improved Abalonetti, Big Fish Grill (formerly Rappa’s), The Whaling Station and Beach House Restaurant.

After the two-man team began helming these local favorites, they made a commitment to give back to their community. The wharf joints (Abalonetti and Big Fish) boast ample discounts for locals every day, while the ever-popular Whaling Station offers a bar menu (20 items under $20) to keep a healthy mix of regulars coming through despite the “special occasion” perception.

As for Beach House, it was more than just an update: the former Old Bath House restaurant in Pacific Grove remained a shabby, deserted eyesore on Lover’s Point for almost a decade after closing in 2005. Gilbert and Phillips saw the potential, and spent two years rebuilding the place into what is now one of P.G.’s most beloved landmarks. Not only did Gilbert donate $10,000 to fix up the swimming pool next to the restaurant, he and Phillips made a commitment to invest in the community.

Beach house may be best known for their Sunset Supper. The special draws locals in nightly for affordable entrees (4-5:30pm) with one of the best views in town.

“Jim was interested in having things that more people could enjoy,” Phillips says. “Not something exclusive, like the Old Bath House. He wanted to be inclusive, he wanted to locals to enjoy the restaurant.”

Or as Gilbert’s close friend Jack Turner puts it: “He just helped everybody. He got around but he didn’t make enemies. He was always honest.”

Gilbert’s two friends sit quietly for a moment, contemplating until Phillips breaks the silence:

“It’s hard to imagine someone with so much success was so down to earth. He was just a regular guy. So genuine. It’s really amazing.”

The celebration of life was held at Monterey Elks Lodge on Saturday, October 27.