Founded in 1979 in Del Mar, Board & Brew has grown from a local surf-culture sandwich shop into a regional brand known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients, laid-back vibe, and fan-favorite "secret sauce." The brand now has more than 20 locations across California and Arizona, including upcoming stores in Mission Valley and now downtown San Diego.
Board & Brew is operated by the Encinitas-based Blacktop Restaurant Group, which also owns and operates several other food and beverage concepts across Southern California. These include Pure Taco, a contemporary taqueria in Carlsbad; and Odie’s Pizza, a brand new coastal Oceanside shop focused on artisanal sourdough pies and a punk-inspired atmosphere. Each concept under the Blacktop umbrella emphasizes quality, community, and SoCal culture.
The new Board & Brew at RaDD will bring the brand’s signature sandwiches, scratch-made sauces, and relaxed energy to a in-development downtown district that aims to itself as a premier hospitality and culinary destination. While specific opening details for the new location have yet to be announced, it will be one of several food and beverage options anchoring the six-block RaDD complex.
Developed by IQHQ, the Research and Development District is a sprawling 1.7 million-square-foot project being built along the downtown San Diego bayfront near the USS Midway Museum and InterContinental Hotel. While the district has faced scrutiny over its unleased life science space, its retail and dining components are steadily filling out with names that signal a curated, upscale vision.
Board & Brew will join the likes of Javier’s Finest Food of Mexico, an upscale Mexican restaurant with locations in La Jolla and Laguna Beach; Le Shrimp Noodle Bar, a Singapore-based concept known for its fusion of Chinese noodles and Japanese-style shrimp broth; Equinox, a luxury fitness club; and Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer opening a waterfront showroom. Additional tenants include The Shade Store, a premium home furnishings retailer, and Eve, a scenic rooftop event space developed in partnership with the San Diego Padres.
Though originally envisioned as a cutting-edge life sciences hub, RaDD’s progress has been led by hospitality and retail anchors. The recent commitment from the J. Craig Venter Institute to relocate from La Jolla to a 50,000-square-foot headquarters in RaDD’s Core building marked a key milestone for the campus, which continues to pursue additional tenants in the biotech and tech sectors.
Board & Brew’s inclusion in RaDD further signals the growing importance of community-oriented, high-quality hospitality brands in defining the future of downtown San Diego. With other concepts under the Blacktop Restaurant Group umbrella continuing to thrive across the region, the downtown location is expected to resonate with both locals and visitors looking for a quick, crave-worthy meal by the bay.
More information on the upcoming Board & Brew at RaDD will be shared as the project moves closer to its opening. For updates, visit boardandbrew.com.
Though originally envisioned as a cutting-edge life sciences hub, RaDD’s progress has been led by hospitality and retail anchors. The recent commitment from the J. Craig Venter Institute to relocate from La Jolla to a 50,000-square-foot headquarters in RaDD’s Core building marked a key milestone for the campus, which continues to pursue additional tenants in the biotech and tech sectors.
Board & Brew’s inclusion in RaDD further signals the growing importance of community-oriented, high-quality hospitality brands in defining the future of downtown San Diego. With other concepts under the Blacktop Restaurant Group umbrella continuing to thrive across the region, the downtown location is expected to resonate with both locals and visitors looking for a quick, crave-worthy meal by the bay.
More information on the upcoming Board & Brew at RaDD will be shared as the project moves closer to its opening. For updates, visit boardandbrew.com.
Originally published on May 24, 2025.
