The Power Plant in Moss Landing reopens with a new look—and more to come.

One would expect a crowd of eager regulars when The Power Plant opened its doors on Tuesday morning, Sept. 2. After all, the popular cafe had been shuttered since a fire on May 11 caused severe smoke damage. 

There were familiar faces ordering coffee drinks and tea, of course. But owner Sally Russell chuckles at the number of first-time customers. “They didn’t even know we had been closed,” she says.

Following the fire, Russell took the opportunity to remodel and reimagine the space. And there is still work to be done, including the addition of a wine and beer bar dubbed The Landing that she hopes to have ready by the end of the month.

“It looks good,” Russell says of the place. “It will look even better.”

Moss Landing was ready for a bit of good news. The year started with the massive Vistra Energy battery storage facility fire in January that forced an evacuation of the community due to toxic fumes. In the aftermath, another popular spot—The Haute Enchilada Cafe—shut down.

Delivering this particular bit of good news took some time. Russell first planned to reopen in June then pushed the date back as the repair and remodel project continued.

Tuesday launched The Power Plant’s soft reopening stage. Russell is pleased with the new look. Day one went as expected, with a few jitters.

“We have to iron out the wrinkles and get back in the groove,” she says.

The Power Plant is located at 7990 Highway 1 in Moss Landing. thepowerplant.store.