After 25 years of dishing out delicious Chinese food and cocktails at the corner of 877 Hornblend Street in Pacific Beach, China Inn closed in April of 2014. The location was finally scooped up earlier this year by Mark Oliver, a San Diego native with over three decades of restaurant experience, including a 20 year partnership at George's at the Cove and the opening of Randy Jones All American Sports Grill in Mission Valley (closed in June 2014). Oliver has revealed that the name of his new eatery will be Pueblo, aiming to start construction of the 5,900 square foot space soon to open late summer or early fall.
China Inn was opened by Judy and Andy Kim in 1988, and remained an important eatery in Pacific Beach due to its authentic cuisine, tiki bar, cocktails and interesting atmosphere. Marc Oliver plans to start a remodel of the space in the coming months to offer outdoor dining and a modern ambiance. Previous tenants on the site were Waibel’s restaurant that opened in 1954, and Copper Skillett, which took over in 1975.
Rumor has it that The Kims plan to takeover the former Good Time Charlie's spot within the complex at 910 Grand Avenue at the corner of Bayard and Cass and open a new concept, being that Oliver essentially purchased the rights to the 'China Inn' name.
We'll be sure to let you know when we have more information. As always, if you know anything that we don't, shoot us an email to [email protected]!
