IZOLA Bakery Opens in East Village

Represented BUYER & SELLER

In September, IZOLA Bakery opened its doors in East Village at 1429 Island Ave., taking over the 7,211-square-foot freestanding space previously occupied by ModBom. Founded by Jenny and Jeffrey during the pandemic, IZOLA began as a small community-focused bakery delivering croissants from their loft. The bakery is now celebrated for its 96-layer croissants and sourdough bread, combining culinary excellence with a mission of joy and justice.

Niima Outpost Signs Lease in North Park

Represented LANDLORD & TENANT

In May, a 10-year lease, valued at over $2,068,000, was signed for the 2,800-square-foot ground-floor restaurant space at Niima Outpost. This thoughtfully designed space was constructed using sustainable materials like hybrid light-framed mass timber to minimize its carbon footprint while ensuring durability. Pete Cich and the team behind successful ventures like Miss B’s Coconut Club and Louisiana Purchase will bring a new dining concept to North Park.  With their impressive track record, this new venture is poised to be a neighborhood favorite.

Joyee’s Dumpling House Expands to Multiple Locations

Represented Tenant

Joyee’s Dumpling House added three new locations this year, cementing its position as a leader in authentic Chinese cuisine. In the College Area, Joyee’s signed a lease for a 2,490-square-foot space between El Cajon Boulevard and College Avenue, preparing to bring its handmade dumplings to the SDSU neighborhood. In Oceanside, a 2,300-square-foot restaurant opened in Quarry Creek Plaza.  Joyee’s also expanded to UTC, opening a 1,992-square-foot restaurant in Renaissance Town Center to serve its popular dumplings in this vibrant area.

Trattoria Da Sofia Opens in Kensington

Represented LANDLORD &  TENANT

In June, Trattoria Da Sofia debuted at 4055 Adams Avenue in Kensington, replacing CUCINA Sorella, bringing Sicilian charm to the neighborhood. The 3,554-square-foot restaurant features a thoughtfully designed space with indoor seating and a welcoming patio.  Guests can enjoy Italian classics such as arancini rice balls, house-made crab-stuffed ravioli, and braised beef over polenta.

Cellar Hand by Pali Wine Opens in Hillcrest

Represented LANDLORD & Tenant

In July, Cellar Hand by Pali Wine opened its doors at the corner of Normal Street and University Avenue in Hillcrest. The 2,000-square-foot space, formerly Oscar Wilde Irish Pub, underwent a complete transformation, now featuring a spacious heated patio and a hyper-local culinary focus. The restaurant’s menu blends coastal Californian and Mediterranean cuisine, crafted with seasonal ingredients sourced from 26 local farmers. Co-owners Nick and Carmen Perr, alongside executive chef Logan Kendall, have created a community-driven dining experience.

Cellar Hand by Pali Wine Opens in Hillcrest

Represented Tenant

Grupo Gula, a hospitality group from Mexico City, made its U.S. debut in July with the opening of , Puntamar in Encinitas. The 2,000-square-foot space on South Coast Highway, previously occupied by Piña, was transformed into a Mexican seafood restaurant offering diverse dishes such as birria pizza and grilled ribeye steak. Known for its primarily outdoor dining experience, Puntamar also features an impressive bar menu with micheladas, margaritas, mezcal drinks, and more.

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Investment Property Sold in San Clemente

Represented seller

In July, a 1,332-square-foot investment property at 1448 N El Camino Real in San Clemente sold for $1,515,000. The freestanding space, located less than a mile from the beach, was previously used as a wellness and meditation center. It will now be transformed into a modern hair salon, adding to the Coastal San Clemente community.

Por Favor Mexican Restaurant Sells in La Mesa

Represented buyer & seller

After nearly 40 years, Por Favor Mexican Restaurant on La Mesa Boulevard was sold in July to Alba Restaurant Group, known for Farmers Table, Smokey and the Brisket, and Limoncello. The 3,500-square-foot space closed its doors on June 30th for a full remodel, with plans to introduce a new Mexican concept. Por Favor continues to operate its El Cajon location.

Tacos El Franc Signs Lease in the Gaslamp Quarter

Represented Tenant

Tacos El Franc, a legendary Tijuana taqueria, signed a lease for a 2,320-square-foot space in the heart of Gaslamp at 528 Fifth Avenue. Known for its signature carne asada, adobada, and cabeza tacos, this marks Tacos El Franc’s second U.S. location, expanding its reach into downtown San Diego.

Angry Chickz Expanded with Multiple Leases and Openings

Represented tenant

Angry Chickz has experienced tremendous growth over the years, with the help of our team, who exclusively represents the brand, we’ve helped them grow from 8 locations to 32.  In 2024, they opened new locations in Salinas, Tracy, Bakersfield, and Vacaville, solidifying their presence across California. Our team also secured leases for locations in Fremont, Ventura, Elk Grove, and Tempe, with construction underway. Known for its bold take on Nashville-style hot chicken, Angry Chickz, which started in East Hollywood, has grown to operate across California, Nevada, and Arizona.

Merenda Wine Bar Opens in Oceanside

Represented Tenant

In November, Merenda Wine Bar opened at 1931 S. Coast Highway in Oceanside under a 10-year lease, bringing a chic and welcoming European-inspired vibe to the area. The 1,872-square-foot wine bar and bistro features a Mediterranean-focused menu alongside a thoughtfully curated wine shop. Guests can savor shareable plates highlighting house-cured charcuterie, rare cheeses, and other unique dishes.

Read more on Eater ->

Davanti Enoteca Sold in Little Italy

Represented buyer & seller

In February, Davanti Enoteca in Little Italy changed ownership, marking the end of Francesca Restaurant Group’s 14-year presence in California. Location Matters was proud to represent the group in this significant transition, having also facilitated their initial move to the space 14 years ago. Known for its lively wine bar atmosphere and shareable contemporary twists on rustic Italian cuisine, Davanti Enoteca continues to operate under its well-loved name under a new management group based in Del Mar.

Two New Leases Signed at The Headquarters at Seaport Village

Represented landlord & Tenant

In December, two exciting new leases were finalized at The Headquarters at Seaport Village, further enhancing the appeal of this iconic downtown San Diego destination.

Broady’s House of Flavors: a 768-square-foot space has been leased to Broady’s House of Flavors, a concept by Rich Broady and his wife. This shop will bring Philly-style water ice and inventive ice cream creations to San Diego, offering a nostalgic taste of their East Coast roots with a modern twist.

The Vault Medspa: San Diego IV has signed a lease for their latest concept, The Vault Medspa, which will occupy 1,164 square feet. This luxury wellness medspa will offer a variety of services, including IV therapies, aesthetics, hormone treatments, and advanced anti-aging options. The space is designed to provide a welcoming and relaxing environment for locals and visitors.