- The iconic red Malibu Restaurant sign is being removed from its east London location at 1622 Dundas St. near Second Street, with owners taking it to a new home as reported by Beatriz Baleeiro of London Free Press.​
- Jessica Qin took over the diner 10 years ago; Jennifer Smale notes regulars have requested “something new” amid ageing building maintenance challenges.​
- A group photo in front of the sign on 14 December 2025 marked the end of an era stretching back to the 1950s when the restaurant first opened.​
- The business remains a family operation; staff like Catarina DeSousa, Nick Giakoumatos, Jessica Qin, Jennifer Smale, and Jimmy Wu gathered for the occasion.​
- “This is a family business and family means a lot here,” stated Jennifer Smale.​
- The diner offers a cosy, diner-like atmosphere attracting young families and teens; plans include new decor but same phone number and regular hours.​
- Article published 15 December 2025 by Beatriz Baleeiro, who covers breaking news, social issues, municipal government, arts, and entertainment for London Free Press.​
The beloved Malibu Restaurant in east London bids farewell to its original site at 1622 Dundas St. as owners remove the iconic red sign, relocating it to a fresh venue amid customer demands for renewal. London Free Press reporter Beatriz Baleeiro documents the nostalgic handover on 14 December 2025, with staff posing for a final photo. The family-run diner, a neighbourhood fixture since the 1950s, assures patrons it continues uninterrupted with familiar comforts intact.
What Marks the End of an Era at Malibu?
As reported by Beatriz Baleeiro of London Free Press in “End of an era for beloved London diner (don’t worry, it’s not closing)” published 15 December 2025, the removal of the iconic red Malibu Restaurant sign signals a pivotal shift for the eatery at 1622 Dundas St. near Second Street. Baleeiro notes a commemorative photo session on Sunday, 14 December 2025, featured staff including Nick Giakoumatos, Jennifer Smale, Catarina DeSousa, Jessica Qin, and Jimmy Wu outside the building.​
The diner first welcomed customers in the 1950s, evolving into a cherished spot known for its cosy, diner-like atmosphere. Baleeiro quotes Jennifer Smale: regulars have been “asking for something new” in recent years, compounded by increasingly complex building maintenance as the structure ages.​
Who Owns and Runs the Malibu Restaurant?
Jessica Qin assumed ownership 10 years ago, steering the family business through its modern chapter, per Baleeiro’s account. Jennifer Smale emerges as a key voice, emphasising continuity: “This is a family business and family means a lot here”. She highlights intergenerational ties, noting other staff members have family histories with the diner.​
The 14 December photo lineup underscores this ethos, capturing DeSousa, Giakoumatos, Qin, Smale, and Wu in a moment of unity. Baleeiro, a general assignment reporter since 2023 originally from São Paulo, Brazil, with prior stints at Complex Canada, The Hamilton Spectator, and Niagara This Week, brings her expertise in local business and news to the story.​
Why Is the Sign Being Relocated?
Baleeiro explains the move preserves heritage while addressing practical needs: the sign travels with owners to the new space, maintaining visual identity. Smale cites patron feedback for novelty alongside maintenance woes at the ageing Dundas Street site.​
No closure looms; the relocation ensures the “same kind” of diner experience persists, complete with unchanged phone number and hours. This evolution caters to young families and teens who frequent the welcoming vibe.​
What Changes Await at the New Location?
Plans include new decor to refresh appeal without altering core offerings, as Smale indicates. Baleeiro stresses the seamless transition: “don’t worry, it’s not closing,” framing the shift as renewal rather than loss.​
The mid-1980s era of the front facade joins the storied past, but forward momentum prevails. Staff commitment shines through the family-centric operation.​
How Has Malibu Served the Community?
Since the 1950s inception, Malibu has anchored east London life, fostering loyalty across generations. Baleeiro captures its role as a neighbourhood special place, drawing diverse crowds including families.​
Smale’s insights reveal a responsive approach: evolving per customer wishes while honouring roots. The photo ritual non-negotiable, symbolising closure on one chapter.​
What Role Did Beatriz Baleeiro Play?
London Free Press journalist Beatriz Baleeiro penned the piece, contacting via [email protected]. Her profile details coverage of breaking news, social issues, municipal government, arts, entertainment, plus hobbies like bird watching and guitar. Social links include Bluesky, X (@BeaBaleeiro), and LinkedIn.​
Why Does Family Matter to Malibu?
Smale’s direct quote—“This is a family business and family means a lot here”—encapsulates ethos. Ties extend to staff relatives with longstanding involvement. Baleeiro weaves this into the narrative of resilience.​
How Will Regulars Adapt?
Unchanged contact details and hours ease continuity. New decor promises excitement, balancing tradition with modernity. Baleeiro positions it as positive evolution.​
What Is London’s Diner Scene Like?
Malibu exemplifies enduring local eats, tagged #LondonEats by London Free Press. Baleeiro’s reporting fits broader local business coverage.​
Why Take the Iconic Sign?
Preservation drives the decision, linking old and new sites. Baleeiro’s visuals, credited to Derek Ruttan/The London Free Press/Postmedia Network, immortalise the moment.​
What Lies Ahead for East London Dining?
Relocation sustains Malibu’s legacy amid urban shifts. Smale’s optimism signals thriving future.
