Spaghetti Bender Closes After 55 Years of Serving Newport Beach

After more than five decades of family-style Italian cooking and heartfelt community service, Spaghetti Bender has officially closed its doors in Newport Beach. First opened in 1969 by Joyce Hoskinson and named after her father “Papa Lorenzo,” the beloved restaurant built a legacy on simple comfort food, warm hospitality, and generations of regulars who made it their weekly tradition.

Owner Michael Hoskinson cited rising operating costs and the retirement of long-time staff as key reasons behind the closure. Though difficult, the decision was made with gratitude and reflection. Many employees had been with the restaurant for decades, and loyal customers filled the final reservation slots in the days leading up to its March 2 closure—eager for one last plate of lasagna, garlic bread, and the signature warmth that defined the Spaghetti Bender experience.

For many Newport Beach families, the red stucco building wasn’t just a place to eat—it was where birthdays were celebrated, friendships deepened, and community ties were forged around shared meals. While the doors have closed, its legacy remains part of the city’s culinary history.

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