Candela's On The Bay shuttered earlier this year, but Coronado's leading restaurant group has come to the rescue. Blue Bridge Hospitality - which runs such establishments as Leroy's Kitchen + Lounge, Stake Chophouse & Bar, and Liberty Public Market - has taken over management of the bayfront restaurant.
Opened in June 2008 just steps from the Coronado Ferry Landing, Candelas on the Bay was founded by Alberto Mestre with a menu of "Mexico City" style dishes created by longtime Executive Chef Eduardo Baeza. The parent organization Mestre Restaurant Group also operates Tent City Restaurant at the Coronado Museum of History and Art. Candelas closed in January 2018 with little notice to staff members but then reopened with inconsistent hours. The restaurant is now starting to operate on a regular schedule, as Blue Bridge Hospitality has recently taken over management of the business. Blue Bridge’s Corporate Chef Tim Kolanko is expected to assist in restructuring Candela's culinary program. A seasoned veteran, Kolanko’s training is anchored in more than 25 years of culinary experience. There is no word yet on whether Blue Bridge intends to eventually install a new concept within the space. We reached out to company management for comment but have not received a response.
First launched in 1998 with MooTime Creamery, a partnership between Coronado cousins David Spatafore & Leroy Mossel, Blue Bridge has experienced tremendous growth over the past two decades with several culinary concepts in operation, including Village Pizzeria, Stake Chophouse & Bar, Lil' Piggy Bar-B-Q, Leroy's Kitchen + Lounge, Coronado Coffee Company, Maretalia Ristorante and West Pac Noodle Bar. The hospitality group also ventured into the now-rising food hall trend with the launch of Liberty Public Market in 2016.
Candela's On The Bay is located 1201 1st St, Unit #115 in Coronado.
