Dan's Bar, the longtime Walnut Creek watering hole that has fueled neighborhood rumors about its future, is not closing.

However, its long-term fate remains uncertain as ownership navigates active litigation over its lease.

The bar's ownership addressed the speculation publicly on Monday, Aug. 10, in a statement relayed through the Walnut Creek Spotlight Instagram account. Dan's Bar has not been sold and remains open, ownership said, adding that they are doing everything they can to keep the bar moving forward while exploring relocation options if the lease dispute forces a move.

Diablo Magazine food columnist Ethan Fletcher picked up the item Tuesday, Aug. 11, writing that "rumors of the demise of Dan's Bar in Walnut Creek are greatly exaggerated — at least for now."

The bar has roots in the community stretching back to at least the 1980s. It still has fans.

@danieloleary: "We ain't leaving!!!"

The commenter, who appears affiliated with the bar, posted that response on the Walnut Creek Spotlight announcement Monday.

What ownership has not disclosed is the nature of the litigation or who is on the other side of it.

Baccio di Latte eyes September opening

A few blocks away, a very different addition to downtown is taking shape. Baccio di Latte, an Italian gelato chain with about 200 locations worldwide, is expected to open its first East Bay shop in September at 1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in downtown Walnut Creek.

The chain will occupy half the ground-floor retail space in the three-story building that houses Teleféric Barcelona and the Rooftop bar, filling the storefront vacated by Vineyard Vines next to Slice House. Developer Brian Hirahara confirmed the lease and September target to Diablo Magazine's June column.

Founded in 2011 by Italian brothers Edoardo and Luigi Tonolli, Baccio di Latte started in Brazil before expanding into the United States. The chain uses milk and cream from Clover Farms in Sonoma County, hazelnuts from Piedmont, Italy, and chocolate sourced from Belgium and Italy, according to the East Bay Times. The Walnut Creek menu will feature 22 flavors, including pistacchio, giandujotto, and salted caramel, plus seasonal specials and an affogato bar pairing gelato with fresh-pulled espresso.

The location sits next to Easy Breezy frozen yogurt and across from Lottie's Creamery, adding to a North Main Street corridor that already counts more than 10 ice cream and frozen dessert shops. Milky Flakes, which opened at 1399 N. Main St. in early July, drew lines out the door and ran out of supplies in its first two weeks, owner Billy Rinchin told SFGate.

No exact opening date for Baccio di Latte has been announced beyond September. Residents can watch for signage at the 1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd. storefront as the build-out progresses.