Breakfast Republic Forced To Close One San Diego Location Following Health Inspection

A San Diego location of the popular breakfast chain Breakfast Republic has been temporarily closed by county health officials following a routine inspection that revealed multiple violations, including a vermin issue.

Swedish native Johan Engman first made a name in San Diego's breakfast scene with the opening of Fig Tree Café in Pacific Beach in 2008. Since then, his Rise & Shine Restaurant Group has grown rapidly, most notably with the success of Breakfast Republic, which first opened in North Park in 2015 and now boasts 18 locations. While the chain’s popularity has continued to grow, Engman’s ventures have seen mixed outcomes. His Breakfast Company concept, launched in North Park in 2019, closed within a year, though other branches like Gaslamp Breakfast Company and Mission Valley Breakfast Company remain in operation.
According to public health records, the Breakfast Republic on Mission Boulevard in Pacific Beach was ordered closed on November 6 after an inspection by San Diego County health officials uncovered various non-compliant areas. Specific violations included issues with hot and cold water, vermin (major), cleanliness of non-food contact surfaces, and improper storage of equipment and utensils. There is no word when the location will be cleared to reopen. 

This isn’t the first recent closure for the chain. In September, the Breakfast Republic location in Carmel Valley's The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch permanently closed after seven years in business, although no official reason was provided.

Breakfast Republic's Pacific Beach location is at 4465 Mission Boulevard. For more information, visit breakfastrepublic.com.

Originally published on November 7, 2024.