As we step into March, San Diego’s retail and restaurant scene is buzzing with fresh opportunities. With tourism picking up and consumer spending staying strong, now is the time for businesses to position themselves for success. Whether you’re a landlord looking to fill a prime space, a restaurateur eyeing expansion, or an investor seeking high-performing assets, the momentum in the market is undeniable. Here's what we've been up to.
Hello Friends!
As we step into March, San Diego’s retail and restaurant scene is buzzing with fresh opportunities. With tourism picking up and consumer spending staying strong, now is the time for businesses to position themselves for success. Whether you’re a landlord looking to fill a prime space, a restaurateur eyeing expansion, or an investor seeking high-performing assets, the momentum in the market is undeniable. Here's what we've been up to.
Iconic Restaurant / Entertainment Property Perfect for Owner Users
Ambrogio by Acquerello, the fine-dining Italian restaurant at 7556 Fay Ave. in La Jolla, has officially sold, making way for an exciting new concept. Restaurateur Ryan Salem, known for his popular Johnny Mananas locations in Oceanside and Ocean Beach, is bringing his passion for bold flavors and authentic Mexican street food to La Jolla with Taco Time Cantina. Salem has built a reputation for creating lively, community-driven dining experiences, and this new taqueria promises to bring the same energy, offering fresh, flavorful tacos and a fun, casual atmosphere. Stay tuned for more details as Taco Time Cantina prepares to open its doors! Mike Spilky represented the Seller and Buyer.
Always Hungry Grocery & Goods and Little Fox Cups & Cones |Carlsbad Village
Exciting developments are underway at 325 Carlsbad Village Dr. in Carlsbad Village, as two vibrant local businesses have signed 10-year leases to join the community. Always Hungry Grocery & Goods, currently operating a pop-up in Downtown Oceanside, will occupy a 1,627-square-foot space. Known for transforming the typical grocery run into a delightful adventure, Always Hungry offers a curated selection of local produce, artisanal foods, and unique pantry staples.
Adjacent to Always Hungry, Little Fox Cups & Coneswill bring their handcrafted ice cream to a 1,263-square-foot space. With an existing location in South Oceanside, Little Fox has garnered a loyal following for its inventive flavors and dedication to quality. Everything from the ice cream to the cones is made from scratch in-house, offering customers a truly artisanal treat. Marc Karren represented both the Landlord and Tenants in these two new leases.
Skylight Wedding Venue |Hillcrest
The former Salon Ink space at 3946 5th Ave in Hillcrest has been leased to Skylight Wedding Venue, a 6,300-square-foot event space specializing in weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. Skylight Wedding Venue is led by Richard Inzunza, a seasoned event professional with over 25 years of experience owning and managing top-tier venues and hospitality businesses. Inzunza previously owned the event space Salt Drift Pointe, and also launched First String Bartending Services and Taco Fiesta Catering. His expertise in event management and hospitality ensures Skylight Wedding Venue will be a sought-after destination for upscale events in San Diego. Alexis Couch and Marc Karren represented the Landlord and Tenant in this new 10-year lease.
Our Location Matters team had a fantastic time attending the California Restaurant Association’s San Diego All-Member Meeting, presented by BMI. This event brought together industry leaders, restaurant owners, and key stakeholders for valuable discussions on the latest trends, legislative updates, and opportunities in the hospitality sector. It was a great opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, gain insights into the evolving restaurant landscape, and strengthen our commitment to supporting San Diego’s thriving food and beverage scene. We’re excited to apply what we learned and continue helping restaurants find the perfect spaces to grow!