Tell people in Stinson Beach that the historic Sand Dollar Restaurant will reopen soon, and they’re likely to raise an eyebrow. They’ve heard this several times before, and they’re still waiting.

“In what century?” joked Jeff Walsh, a longtime customer who would be thrilled to see the iconic watering hole—the Cheers of Stinson Beach—make a comeback. “The Sand Dollar has a lot of charm, and it’s really unfortunate that it’s been closed for so long.…