San Diego seven-year-old Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen has announced the closure of its original SDSU College Area location.
The flagship outpost of Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen opened in San Diego's Rolando neighborhood near San Diego State University in April 2016. Founder Alex Massir grew up in Philadelphia where he and his family owned and operated pizza shops and Italian kitchens dating back to the 1950s. When he moved to the West Coast, he discovered the healthy California lifestyle was what most people wanted, so he began to incorporate healthier options into dishes. Massir's partner Greg Provance has over 35 years experience in restaurant operations from New York to Los Angeles. Notably, he spent 10 years in San Diego with the Cohn Restaurant Group at the GM level. In 2021, The Pesto team opened a branch at Westfield Mission Valley Mall in San Diego's Mission Valley.
The College branch of Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen has closed after reportedly not coming to new lease terms with the building's landlord. The Mission Valley outpost will continue in business, offering a menu of pizzas, pastas and salads with multiple vegan and gluten free options available, all made with locally-sourced, seasonal and organic ingredients.
Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen remains in business at 1652 Camino Del Rio, between CAVA and Mendocino Farms, within Westfield Mission Valley Mall. For more information, visit pestocraft.com.
