On Oct. 26, 2022 – almost exactly a year ago, it was announced that the San Dune Pub, an iconic community fixture in Manzanita for nearly 90 years was for sale. Recently, there have been rumors of a possible sale, so the Pioneer’s editor reached out to the pub’s owner, Debra Greenlee. “We’ve had some offers, but quite frankly, they weren’t the right fit for the community or the Pub. This is my baby – my life for the last couple decades – and I plan to continue to live in this community. I’m not just going to sell the Dune to just anyone,” asserted Debra. “Well, you know,” she said, “the San Dune is more than just a local drinking place. It’s ‘The Dune’.”
“Make me an offer,” joked Debra, “Seriously though, serious offers only, please.” The San Dune Pub business is listed for sale as a “turnkey operation” at $900,000. The building owner is also accepting offers on the building.
Since 1935, the San Dune Pub has been an Oregon Coast institution and for the past 20 years Greenlee – and her crew (“They are like family to me,” she added.) has been the one stewarding the San Dune so we all can enjoy it. That chapter is coming to an end it’s time for someone else take over that job. Please know that Debra is committed to selling the San Dune Pub to someone who will treat this cherished Manzanita landmark with care and respect so that all of us can continue to enjoy for years to come.
Greenlee originally purchased what was known as the San Dune Tavern in 2005 and changed the name to San Dune Pub. Yes, it is “San” (no “d”) Dune, and it’s always been that way.
She didn’t just change the name, she changed the menu as the food used to mainly come from a can. “Our food is delicious. Everything is made in-house from scratch and local ingredients,” Greenlee said. “We’re known for certain menu items: fish tacos, Monday night baby back rib night, those ribs are so good; the burgers – our different combinations are so yummy and it’s the quality. My customers know that they can get a great burger, all kinds of great food with great beverages with great people.” This is probably one of the few pubs on the coast where locals and tourists mingle in convivial fashion while they wait for the music to start. The Dune hosts some of the Northwest’s top local bands as well.
Under her ownership, the San Dune Pub was named one of the “Top 10 Bars in Oregon That is Located Outside of Portland” by Thrilllist.com and one of the “13 Most Iconic Bars In All Of Oregon” by onlyinyourstate.com.
“People tell me it makes you feel at home. It’s comfortable. It’s a great vibe,” Greenlee said. “That’s something that I’ve created, it’s the people who work with me. It’s the people you surround yourself with to create this atmosphere. They’ve all been on the same page with me. In the hospitality industry, it’s so important to have great people with you.”
Greenlee credits her staff by name (many that have worked at the pub for as many as 16 years) for keeping the San Dune successful and carrying it through its trials and success including: her significant other Steve Doty; and longtime staff memebrs Teresa Eastin, Sid Lopez, Dustin Clark, Laura Walsh, and Tori Williams.
“All these kids are family to me, they call me mama,” said Greenlee. “I don’t know what I would do without them.”
She added, “We’ll be there to help the next person with a hand up because it’s my baby. I’m going to do whatever I can to make this transition a good one, hopefully I can find someone who is as passionate about the San Dune Pub as we are…it’s going to take some time to find that right person.”
Greenlee assures that the pub will continue to operate and serve their loyal customers.
If you have a serious interest in purchasing the San Dune Pub, send a detailed email to SanDunePubManzanita@gmail.com. The business is currently listed at $900,000 which includes a lease guarantee through 2040, and there is the possibility to also purchase the building as well.
“[I’m looking for] someone who has as much passion for this industry as I do and understands the significance of the San Dune Pub in this community,” Greenlee said. “I need to feel comfortable that the new owners will honor the history…I’m protecting what I have. I’ll continue to share the love and be there, but I just won’t own it. It will always be in my heart.”
The San Dune Pub is located at 127 Laneda Ave, in Manzanita. Open Friday & Saturday, 4-9 p.m., and Sunday & Monday 4-8 p.m.
