Opening this week in the expansive space that last housed the short-lived The Florence in San Diego's Sabre Springs community is Crafted Culture, a bar & restaurant concept from the team behind Resident Brewing and Wokou Ramen.
Empress Capital Investments was founded by Northern California native James Langley in 2017 with the opening of the first Wokou Ramen & Yakitori in San Diego's Carmel Valley. The group also operates California Native within Del Mar Highlands Town Center, a second Wokou location in the Crown Point area of Pacific Beach, Leap Coffee in Escondido, and two Death by Tequila locations, the original in Encinitas and another at The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch in Carmel Valley. Langley has also been instrumental in the growth of Rise & Shine Restaurant Group's Breakfast Republic chain.
Late last year, Empress ownership took over the 10,000-square-foot, beautifully designed space that had previously only housed one restaurant - The Florence, an approximately $10 million neighborhood social house, bar and eatery founded by Chef Antonio Friscia's Legal Restaurants that lasted less than a year in business. Soon, the space will house its second tenant in Empress Investments' newest concept, Crafted Culture.
Crafted Culture is a concept centered around embracing the ethos of the oft-repeated buzzword "craft". Expect a dedication to craft beer, craft cocktails, craft wine, etc., as well as a menu of American cuisine reimagined. Menu highlights include deviled eggs with smoked jalapeños and sausage, beef tartare with smoked egg yolks and pickles, and a smoked brisket banh mi with pickled carrots, daikon, jalapeño spread and cilantro. The space boasts a massive outdoor area where it will cater to families and groups, as well as hosting frequent live entertainment and sports viewing.
Crafted Culture is located at 13480 Evening Creek Drive North, Suite #150 in San Diego's North County community of Sabre Springs and will host a grand opening this Saturday, August 28. For more information, visit craftedculturesd.com.
