After 5 years in business, Nicky Rotten's Bar & Burger Joint in Rancho San Diego was shuttered over the weekend. The Coronado branch, which has been under completely separate ownership and management for a few years, continues to thrive.
A third location of Nicky Rotten's was opened by its namesake founder, Nick Tomasello, who recently revived the historic Mexican Village in Coronado, in spring 2014 in the Rancho San Diego area of El Cajon. Around the time of opening this outpost, Tomasello sold off his downtown and Coronado branches after having a falling out with his previous partner. The downtown branch was subsequently reconceptualized into the short-lived 1919 sports bar in late 2015, prior to becoming El Chingon/Havana 1920 last year. The Coronado branch of Nicky Rotten's continues to operate, and ownership has confirmed that business is well and that their restaurant will be unaffected by the El Cajon closure.
"After five years of operation and the first term of our lease coming to an end, the Nicky Rottens family has sold the Rancho San Diego location," commented owner Nick Tomasello. "We thank and appreciate all of our loyal customers and rowdy fans for the great memories and truly appreciate the support. We hope patrons do the same for the new owners and their new endeavor."
It's rumored that the building owner at at 3773 Willow Glen Drive in El Cajon has already found a tenant to replace Nicky Rotten's, and it is expected that, after a redesign of the interior, the new business will operate a hookah lounge and eatery in the space.
