June 21, 2019
The Brigantine Restaurant Corporation got its start in San Diego in 1969 when Mike Morton Sr. and family opened the first Brigantine Restaurannt location on Shelter Island (in the space where Miguel's is now). Brigantine Inc. now employs more than 1,200 San Diegans and operates 15 restaurants in San Diego County, including eight Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar locations, Ketch Grill & Taps and Portside Gelato & Coffee in Point Loma, Ketch Brewing and restaurant in Kearny Mesa and now five branches of Miguel’s Cocina.
Brigantine Restaurant CEO Mike Morton Jr. alerted most staff at Miguel’s Cocina Eastlake that the restaurant was closing yesterday after deciding that Wednesday evening would be the last night in business. Some employees were given severance checks and urged to apply for positions at sister restaurants, while those in management positions were moved to other area restaurants.
Brigantine Inc. is in the process of a $13 million redevelopment of the former Anthony's Fish Grotto location at 1360 North Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego, which will be called "Portside Pier" and include dock-and-dine additions so that boats can pull up and park at the revitalized venue. The new downtown waterfront pier will include four different concepts on two levels, including Brigantine on the Bay, Miguel's Cocina, Ketch Grill & Taps, and Portside Gelato & Coffee.
