Today would have been the 68th birthday of Zellarah (Zell) Dwelley, who died February 17 after a long battle with cancer. Zell and her husband Gary are best known because in 1988, they founded Beach Break Cafe in South O.
On Sunday, more than 150 locals met north of the Pier to remember Zell, and to witness a dozen surfers mark the occasion with a “paddle out” in the chilly May waters. Her husband Gary and two sons (and two grandchildren) were present to meet the well wishers.
Beach Break Cafe — relocated to its current location in 2010 — is both a nationally recognized as a classic diner, and also for its surfer- and skater-themed decor. Among the many restaurants in today’s South O restaurant scene, Beach Break occupies a unique niche.
The family requests that donations in her name be made to City of Hope, the Los Angeles area cancer center. May she rest in peace.
Save South O 