The news of Tip Top's impending reopening follows a complex legal dispute over several years between Steven Reid - a lifelong Tip Top employee who rose from dishwasher to co-owner - and the heirs of Tip Top's legendary founder, Joachim "Big John" Haedrich. A recent Stipulation for Settlement finalized on May 30, 2024, seemingly granted Reid complete ownership of Top Choice Investments, LLC, an entity once tied to ownership of the Tip Top Meats building.
According to court records, the terms of the agreement required Reid to pay $1,615,009.00 for full ownership of the LLC, resolving lawsuits filed in San Diego Superior Court and AAA arbitration. If the payment was not completed by December 31, 2024, Reid would have forfeited ownership and the Tip Top Meats property would have to be sold to the highest bidder, with proceeds split evenly among the parties.
After the closing of the historic grocery store and market in October 2024, public records show that Top Choice Investments, LLC, under the control of Reid, ultimately sold the longtime Tip Top Meats building at 6118 Paseo Del Norte in Carlsbad in late December 2024 for a reported $4.6 million. The space is now owned by 6118 Paseo Del Norte LLC, operated by Robert and Masako Burggraf of R&B Wholesale Distributors.
Reid has reportedly managed Tip Top's daily operations for decades, but according to the attorney for Tip Top Meats, he has no ownership interest in the parent company for the grocery store. Rather, the Haedrich family remains the owners of Tip Top Meats, Inc. It was recently confirmed via Tip Top's social media that a new lease has been secured and tenant improvements are underway. “The new space is 20% of the size of the previous space so we will have a challenge managing expectations,” the company posted on social media, "but we are coming back!"
After the closing of the historic grocery store and market in October 2024, public records show that Top Choice Investments, LLC, under the control of Reid, ultimately sold the longtime Tip Top Meats building at 6118 Paseo Del Norte in Carlsbad in late December 2024 for a reported $4.6 million. The space is now owned by 6118 Paseo Del Norte LLC, operated by Robert and Masako Burggraf of R&B Wholesale Distributors.
Reid has reportedly managed Tip Top's daily operations for decades, but according to the attorney for Tip Top Meats, he has no ownership interest in the parent company for the grocery store. Rather, the Haedrich family remains the owners of Tip Top Meats, Inc. It was recently confirmed via Tip Top's social media that a new lease has been secured and tenant improvements are underway. “The new space is 20% of the size of the previous space so we will have a challenge managing expectations,” the company posted on social media, "but we are coming back!"
Founded in 1967 by German immigrant Big John Haedrich, Tip Top Meats became a fixture in Carlsbad for its old-world charm, European grocery offerings, hearty restaurant fare, and in-house butcher services. Known for its generous Big John Breakfast and authentic sausages, the business was revered by locals and tourists alike.
The brand's closure in October 2024 marked the end of an era, drawing huge farewell crowds as customers lined up to enjoy one last schnitzel or stock up on imported goods. For many, the absence of Tip Top Meats has left a void in North County’s culinary scene.
The brand's closure in October 2024 marked the end of an era, drawing huge farewell crowds as customers lined up to enjoy one last schnitzel or stock up on imported goods. For many, the absence of Tip Top Meats has left a void in North County’s culinary scene.
Despite a tumultuous legal journey - including lawsuits and questions over ownership and future plans -Reid's commitment to Tip Top Meats appears to remain steadfast. With a new, smaller space under construction and a targeted reopening date in sight, the legacy of Big John may soon be revived for a new generation of San Diegans.
This article was published without input from Tip Top ownership and will be updated when further information becomes available. Stay tuned for updates on the confirmed address and official reopening details.
This article was published without input from Tip Top ownership and will be updated when further information becomes available. Stay tuned for updates on the confirmed address and official reopening details.
Originally published on May 15, 2025.
