Beloved Billy Reed’s Palm Springs restaurant listed for sale; owner reassures customers

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Billy Reed's, one of Palm Springs most iconic restaurants, is up for sale for $7.5 million.

For decades the restaurant has drawn visitors with its timeless breakfast, lunch and dinner options, its koi pond and the artwork painted by original owner William (Billy) Reed himself.

“It’s a fun place, it's like Disneyland every day,” said co-owner David Scott, who has been part of the operation for years. “We have 63 employees. Several of them have worked over 40 years. The main chef has been here 45 years. One of the bartenders has been here 41 years.”

But when word spread that the restaurant had been listed, customers worried.

“We’re going to make sure whoever buys it keeps it the same," Scott said. "Keep all the employees. Nothing will change.”

Scott said the sale includes the property, the brand and all of the recipes.

He said after decades in business, they're ready to retire.

"He wants to retire from the restaurant and return to painting in his home studio," Scott said. "For myself, I want to move back to Orange County and watch my grandkids grow up."

For the customers who’ve made Billy Reed’s part of their routines, the news stirred emotion.

"What a gem," David Bagg said. "I hope they don’t change a single thing. I enjoyed so much visiting with the staff today."

Regular Diane Sichel shared the same sentiment.

"It was always very good. The food was consistent. The service was always wonderful. I mean, you just couldn't find anything wrong with it. It was always excellent," Sichel said. "I hope they can find somebody that wants to make the same food with all the delicious recipes and keep the staff."

Scott said that’s the plan.

“Just keep coming to Billy Reed’s,” Scott said. “We’re open. We’re not closing our doors. We’re not changing anything.”