Next to the rows of historic Huntington...

Next to the rows of historic Huntington Beach photographs, two clean squares appear on the wood-paneled wall at Vic’s Place. They used to be covered by two photos that are now missing. Both photos--a picture of the original Vic’s from 1946 and an area shot of Surf City--were stolen June 26, the day before the restaurant closed its doors for good, employees say. They think a customer or two may have helped themselves to the photos. “Tons of people just wanted a piece of this place,” said former waiter Kevin Burwick, adding that several menus also were stolen.

Monte Nitzkowski, owner of the beach restaurant near 1st Street, closed the doors to focus on his job as the United States’ water polo coach for the 2000 Olympics. Sean Fahlen, who manages Vic’s fast-food stand--which will also close this year--said Nitzkowski was especially disappointed that the photo of the original concession stand was stolen because it was the only picture he had with his parents, the original owners, in front of it. Anyone with information on the photos’ whereabouts is asked to call (714) 536-3989.