Jeff Motch and Clea Hantman, the hospitality duo behind Blind Lady Ale House (BLAH) and its in-house nanobrewery BLAH Brewing, have been selected by the City of San Diego to redevelop and operate the former Village Grill space. Located near the Spanish Village Art Center, the site will be transformed into a new indoor-outdoor restaurant concept still under wraps but expected to reflect the same local beer-forward, community-minded ethos that has made Panama 66 a standout for over a decade.
In October 2024, the City issued a Request for Proposals for the renovation, operation and lease of the Village Grill restaurant site. Through this competitive process, Motch and Hantman’s proposal - a fast-casual restaurant concept - was selected. With this selection, Motch and Hantman can now begin implementing their vision. They will work in coordination with the City’s Economic Development Department to negotiate lease terms and with the Parks and Recreation Department on design approvals that are consistent with the Balboa Park Central Mesa Precise Plan. The former Village Grill, built in 1973, last served customers from 2014 through 2017.
The Village Grill redevelopment comes as part of a broader city initiative to restore and activate key areas of Balboa Park. With recent milestones like the $26.4 million reopening of the Botanical Building and continued work on the Marston House and Starlight Bowl, the city hopes to keep Balboa Park both historically preserved and socially vibrant.
Motch and Hantman’s proposal was chosen for their longstanding experience in the San Diego hospitality scene and their track record of success with ventures like Blind Lady and Panama 66. The City is banking on their ability to bring life to a quieter section of Balboa Park, particularly in the evenings when foot traffic tends to wane. Officials hope the new restaurant will enhance the visitor experience while contributing to the vibrancy of the park’s cultural core.
"We are excited to work with Jeff and Clea to develop an eatery that best serves the park and its visitors," said Economic Development Director Christina Bibler. "Creating a vibrant restaurant in Balboa Park can come with unique complexities, but given their successful background and excitement for the project, we're confident it will become a beloved destination in the park."
At the same time, however, the couple faces uncertainty over the future of Panama 66, the restaurant and bar they have operated since 2014 within the San Diego Museum of Art’s sculpture garden. The SDMA is planning a major renovation and expansion of its west wing, a project that could displace Panama 66 altogether. The redesign, being developed by internationally renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners, calls for a dramatic overhaul of the west entrance, which currently houses the restaurant, and proposes new dining concepts including a rooftop restaurant, a casual café, and a grab-and-go market. While museum officials say they hope to continue working with the Panama 66 team, no formal commitment has been made.
At the same time, however, the couple faces uncertainty over the future of Panama 66, the restaurant and bar they have operated since 2014 within the San Diego Museum of Art’s sculpture garden. The SDMA is planning a major renovation and expansion of its west wing, a project that could displace Panama 66 altogether. The redesign, being developed by internationally renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners, calls for a dramatic overhaul of the west entrance, which currently houses the restaurant, and proposes new dining concepts including a rooftop restaurant, a casual café, and a grab-and-go market. While museum officials say they hope to continue working with the Panama 66 team, no formal commitment has been made.
The proposed new west wing would double the museum’s exhibition space and add significant public-facing improvements, such as an education center, a reading room, and enhanced accessibility features. Renderings reveal an architectural design that aims to honor the Spanish Colonial Revival style of Balboa Park while integrating modern infrastructure and visitor amenities. Part of the plan includes transforming the current entrance into a shaded, open-air plaza and removing barriers around the sculpture garden, which may further impact Panama 66’s current layout and operation.
Though the fate of the original restaurant remains unclear, Motch and Hantman are forging ahead with new initiatives that celebrate the spirit of Balboa Park. They recently partnered with three of San Diego’s most acclaimed breweries - Fall Brewing, Societe Brewing, and Burgeon Beer Co. - to release a trio of collaboration beers that pay homage to the park’s landscape and legacy. The series includes a bright, floral lager brewed with Fall; a punchy West Coast IPA created with Societe; and the return of Summer of 66, a hazy IPA brewed with Burgeon that first debuted last year and was inspired by the sculpture garden’s founding year. Each beer was designed to highlight the strengths of its respective brewery while reflecting the character and history of the park itself.
The new beers will be available throughout May at Panama 66, with release dates staggered across the month. While the future of that space remains in question, the team’s commitment to Balboa Park is unwavering. They continue to play a central role in shaping how locals and tourists alike experience the park - not only through food and drink, but by fostering a space that bridges art, culture, and community.
The new beers will be available throughout May at Panama 66, with release dates staggered across the month. While the future of that space remains in question, the team’s commitment to Balboa Park is unwavering. They continue to play a central role in shaping how locals and tourists alike experience the park - not only through food and drink, but by fostering a space that bridges art, culture, and community.
Motch has long emphasized the importance of keeping visitors in the park rather than having them leave in search of dining options. He views the upcoming Village Grill project as a chance to address a longstanding gap in Balboa Park’s hospitality offerings, particularly in areas that become quiet after museum hours. For now, the team is focused on delivering what they do best: creating meaningful, accessible, and distinctly San Diego dining experiences in the heart of one of the city's most treasured landmarks.
Panama 66 remains open at 1450 El Prado, and the new restaurant at 1660 Old Globe Way is currently in development for a 2026 opening.
Originally published on May 2, 2025.
Panama 66 remains open at 1450 El Prado, and the new restaurant at 1660 Old Globe Way is currently in development for a 2026 opening.
Originally published on May 2, 2025.