Chef Antonio Mecheri pushes to keep Loch Lomond Road House and pool open during bankruptcy

Chef Antonio Mecheri is trying to preserve the historic Loch Lomond Road House, restaurant and 80-year-old swimming pool as Belwood Investments moves through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The effort centers on keeping a Lake County gathering place open for local families, children and visitors while the property’s future is sorted out.

Why it matters: - The Loch Lomond Road House and pool serve as a community space for Lake County families, children and visitors. - The historic pool has been part of the resort since 1946 and is now marking its 80th year. - The property’s future matters because bankruptcy can create uncertainty for day-to-day operations, employees and local users of the site.

What happened: - Chef Antonio Mecheri is operating the Loch Lomond Road House and overseeing day-to-day operations. - Belwood Investments LLC filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California on March 18, 2026. - The case is being administered under Chapter 7 as Case No. 8:26-bk-10849. - Mecheri is working to keep the restaurant and swimming pool open while the bankruptcy process continues. - A Facebook page for the resort is available for updates.

The details: - Public bankruptcy records reviewed as of August 13, 2026, do not establish that the Loch Lomond Resort, Road House or historic pool is currently in foreclosure. - Other Belwood Investments properties have faced creditor actions and motions for relief from the bankruptcy stay. - Mecheri said it is important to distinguish those separate proceedings from the current status of Loch Lomond. - California government planning records state that the Olympic-size swimming pool was constructed in 1946. - A cultural-resources evaluation cited in California planning records identified the pool and lodge as potentially significant historic resources because of their link to the resort’s early development and the Prather family. - The pool and remaining historic structures are tied to the original Loch Lomond Resort and the Prather family. - The Road House and pool are operating without alcohol service. - The restaurant’s focus is on children, parents, food, recreation and sober family experiences. - The Road House kitchen and historic pool remain open to the community, subject to posted hours and policies.

Between the lines: - Mecheri is framing the bankruptcy as a legal and financial issue that should not erase the site’s community role. - The emphasis on children, family meals and recreation suggests the business is trying to position Loch Lomond as more than a traditional restaurant. - Preserving the pool and lodge also preserves a visible link to Lake County’s resort history. - Mecheri has invested substantial personal resources, labor and culinary experience into restoring operations.

What's next: - Mecheri hopes to communicate with the Chapter 7 trustee and other interested parties about continued operations and the property’s future. - Mecheri’s longer-term plan includes strengthening the restaurant, protecting the pool, supporting children’s activities and expanding hospitality, food, wellness and community programming. - The future of the property will depend on how the bankruptcy case develops and whether current operations can be sustained.

The bottom line: - Loch Lomond is being treated as both a business under bankruptcy pressure and a historic community asset worth preserving.