SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - It's become a Mission Beach institution, serving San Diegans for more than 60-years, but on Wednesday, Saska's Steak and Seafood announced it has been sold to a longtime patron.
Saska's has been grilling its famous steak for nearly 65-years, but now the old spot is getting a new owner who promised the name and feel will remain the same.
For some dinners, the family owned Saska's Steak and Seafood in Old Mission Beach takes them back to their childhood.
Joe Saska and his wife opened the restaurant on Mission Boulevard in 1951.
When Joe passed away, he handed down the family owned restaurant to his sons. Mike used to pound the slats behind the bar.
When Mike passed away from a heart condition, brothers and sisters Tommy, Mary and Jimmy took over.
"The employees, the community, it's here," said Mary.
Now, the Saska family is selling the restaurant and High Tide Sushi Bar and Skybar.
"We ran out of years," said Tommy.
The new owner, Gina Champion-Cain, is also the owner of the Patio Restaurants in Pacific Beach, Mission Hills and Petco Park. She also owns Mission Beach Shops.
"Gina is very well known around our restaurant. She has been coming here since 1987," said Tommy.
Gina plans to keep the steakhouse the same, and also plans to keep the name.
The Saska's said a verbal handshake deal will be made on Friday.
A spokesperson for Gina said the steakhouse side will remain the same, but a new concept will take shape at the High Tide Sushi Bar.