Inspired by East Coast clam shacks, Valley Swim Club eyes Labor Day opening in Sonoma

Valley Swim Club, owned and operated by the Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winning Valley Bar + Bottle team, is poised to bring something new to Sonoma’s foodie scene. The new restaurant aims to open Labor Day weekend.

While there is not an actual pool, the restaurant will emulate an East Coast-style clam shack, but with West Coast seafood and cuisine.

The name, Valley Swim Club, historically references the mineral waters under Sonoma known as the Springs, which is very important to local Native Americans. “It is also inspired by the Olompali Swim Club, the commune from the summer of ‘66 where the nascent Grateful Dead and their Chosen Family lived on a nearby Marin County estate, then migrated to neighboring Sonoma enclaves,” according to the Valley Swim Club website.

The new restaurant at 18709 Arnold Drive will occupy the space that previously housed Delicious Dish. This spot has American roadside charm, and Valley Swim Club plans to maintain that essence while updating the location to give it a fresh feel. It’s a building with extensive restaurant history, as the former site of Rob’s Rib Shack and a slew of other restaurants.

“We are always aiming to create a gathering place for our local community and we hope to see everyone here soon,” said co-owner and co-chef Emma Lipp.

The menu will feature local and sustainable seafood, which is in line with the specialty ingredients used at the Bar + Bottle location on the Sonoma Plaza. Valley Bar + Bottle opened in August 2020 and serves a fresh brunch and a classy dinner.

The goal for the Swim Club is accessibility for all, while also providing fair wages for employees, resulting in a mid-range pricepoint for most items.

The menu has not been released yet, but is in the process of being created by chefs Lipp and Stephanie Reagor as well as kitchen managers, Omar Aviles and Alejandra Jacuinde Robles.

Lipp, Reagor, Lauren Feldman and Tanner Walle collectively own the two Valley restaurants. They have made a close-knit team that is also a family operated business. Lipp and Reagor are married, as are Feldman and Walle, along with Aviles and Jacuinde Robles.

The outdoor patio has an overhang and can seat approximately 60 people. Orders will be placed at the counter, with limited space for indoor seating.

The Swim Club will be a place to go for both lunch and dinner, as an all-day restaurant. A coffee cart will also operate onsite in the mornings, offering dive bar coffee, pastries and possibly breakfast sandwiches. Delicious Dish also hosted a coffee bar on the property — West Side Grind. (Side note: Delicious Dish is back, sort of, with meals that can be delivered in Sonoma Tuesday through Thursday — check deliciousdishsf.com for details.)

The hours and exact menu at Swim Club are still being finalized.

As far as decor, Valley is working with two design teams to update the historic space. Hommeboys, a notable local design duo, is busy creating a funky, mid-century concept, while Two Top designed their graphics and printed materials.

It will be walk-in only, but large parties can reserve the restaurant for events, or hire the Swim Club for catering. To-go food will also be offered and can be ordered on the Valley Swim Club website once it opens.

They are currently hiring all positions including front-of-house staff, back-of-house staff, coffee cart staff and support staff.

“It’s our job to make a valued experience, delicious food and hold ourselves to the values in business through all aspects of the company,” said Lipp.

You can reach Index-Tribune Intern Mia Epstein at mia.epstein@sonomanews.com.