In its 94 years, few changes have been made to Casa Orinda. But now, the beloved Orinda restaurant faces its biggest change yet: the passing of its longtime owner, John Goyak.
Goyak, a renowned pillar of the Orinda community, passed away on Sept. 5. Best known for owning the Casa Orinda, he is remembered by family and friends as an authentic, funny and one-of-a-kind member of the community.
Born on Nov. 7, 1946, Goyak was one of two children of Mary and Ivan Goyak. He grew up in El Sobrante and studied around the Bay Area. But it was with the College of the Seven Seas, a study-abroad program on a cruise, that inspired him with a love for travel – one that lasted his entire life…