The decision, finalized on March 13, 2025, allows the family-owned Brigantine Restaurant Group to assume operations of The Fish Market's flagship location at 750 North Harbor Drive on San Diego Bay, as well as its sister restaurant in Solana Beach. Brigantine intends to continue operating both locations under The Fish Market brand, preserving the legacy of a nearly 50-year-old seafood institution while integrating it into their portfolio of 20 Southern California restaurants.
The Fish Market’s journey began in 1976, founded by fishermen Fred Duckett and Robert Wilson, along with John Freis, the captain of Duckett’s boat, and culinary professional Dean Betts. Starting with a small fleet of fishing boats, the first Fish Market opened in Palo Alto, expanding over the years to San Mateo, San Jose, Santa Clara, Phoenix, and Del Mar.
The Fish Market’s journey began in 1976, founded by fishermen Fred Duckett and Robert Wilson, along with John Freis, the captain of Duckett’s boat, and culinary professional Dean Betts. Starting with a small fleet of fishing boats, the first Fish Market opened in Palo Alto, expanding over the years to San Mateo, San Jose, Santa Clara, Phoenix, and Del Mar.
The San Diego Bay location, which opened in 1989, became a local institution, known for its fresh seafood and waterfront views near the USS Midway Museum and the iconic "Kiss" statue. The property also houses Top of the Market, an upstairs fine-dining venue offering sweeping vistas of the bay and Coronado. Despite challenges, including a 2015 grease fire that caused over $2 million in damages and a months-long closure, The Fish Market has remained a beloved destination. Today, only the Downtown San Diego and Del Mar locations remain operational.
Brigantine, a family-owned business established in 1969 by Mike Morton Sr., has been a cornerstone of San Diego's dining scene for over five decades. The group started with a surf-and-turf restaurant on Shelter Island - now a Miguel’s Cocina location - and has since grown to employ over 1,200 San Diegans across its 20 venues. These include Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar, Miguel’s Cocina, Ketch Grill & Taps, and the $25 million Portside Pier complex on the North Embarcadero, less than half a mile from The Fish Market. Portside Pier, which opened in 2020 after replacing Anthony’s Fish Grotto, features multiple dining concepts and public amenities, reflecting Brigantine’s expertise in transforming waterfront properties.
The lease transfer, which covers the North Harbor Drive location under the Port's jurisdiction, expires in February 2028. Negotiations for a long-term extension are expected to begin once Brigantine submits a project proposal outlining planned improvements, a standard requirement for lease renewals that often includes capital investments and enhanced public access.
Brigantine, a family-owned business established in 1969 by Mike Morton Sr., has been a cornerstone of San Diego's dining scene for over five decades. The group started with a surf-and-turf restaurant on Shelter Island - now a Miguel’s Cocina location - and has since grown to employ over 1,200 San Diegans across its 20 venues. These include Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar, Miguel’s Cocina, Ketch Grill & Taps, and the $25 million Portside Pier complex on the North Embarcadero, less than half a mile from The Fish Market. Portside Pier, which opened in 2020 after replacing Anthony’s Fish Grotto, features multiple dining concepts and public amenities, reflecting Brigantine’s expertise in transforming waterfront properties.
The lease transfer, which covers the North Harbor Drive location under the Port's jurisdiction, expires in February 2028. Negotiations for a long-term extension are expected to begin once Brigantine submits a project proposal outlining planned improvements, a standard requirement for lease renewals that often includes capital investments and enhanced public access.
Mike Morton Jr., president and CEO of The Brigantine, previously indicated potential renovations could exceed $20 million, aiming to modernize the 35-year-old complex while preserving its iconic status. The proximity to Portside Pier has raised questions about market saturation, but Brigantine’s history of successful waterfront redevelopment - coupled with The Fish Market’s established reputation - suggests a strategic synergy.
The Port of San Diego, a self-funded entity managing 34 miles of waterfront across five cities, views Brigantine as a trusted partner. The agency, which collects no tax dollars, reinvests revenues from tenants like Brigantine into public amenities, including 22 parks, the Harbor Police, and community projects. The Fish Market's sale to Brigantine, announced in late 2024, unites two family-owned brands with deep roots in San Diego’s culinary history. The Morton family has expressed a commitment to maintaining the legacy built by the Duckett and Wilson families, ensuring The Fish Market’s tradition of quality seafood dining endures.
For San Diego residents, this transition marks a new chapter for a historic dining destination, blending Brigantine’s operational expertise with The Fish Market’s storied heritage. While details on potential changes remain forthcoming, the continued operation of both the Downtown and Solana Beach locations under The Fish Market name offers continuity for loyal patrons. As Brigantine prepares to take the helm, the community anticipates how this partnership will shape the future of waterfront dining on San Diego Bay. Further updates on renovation plans and lease negotiations are expected later this year.
The Port of San Diego, a self-funded entity managing 34 miles of waterfront across five cities, views Brigantine as a trusted partner. The agency, which collects no tax dollars, reinvests revenues from tenants like Brigantine into public amenities, including 22 parks, the Harbor Police, and community projects. The Fish Market's sale to Brigantine, announced in late 2024, unites two family-owned brands with deep roots in San Diego’s culinary history. The Morton family has expressed a commitment to maintaining the legacy built by the Duckett and Wilson families, ensuring The Fish Market’s tradition of quality seafood dining endures.
For San Diego residents, this transition marks a new chapter for a historic dining destination, blending Brigantine’s operational expertise with The Fish Market’s storied heritage. While details on potential changes remain forthcoming, the continued operation of both the Downtown and Solana Beach locations under The Fish Market name offers continuity for loyal patrons. As Brigantine prepares to take the helm, the community anticipates how this partnership will shape the future of waterfront dining on San Diego Bay. Further updates on renovation plans and lease negotiations are expected later this year.
