Zanavich, known affectionately as "Buff" or "B" to friends and colleagues, passed away earlier this week at the age of 41. The announcement of his death sent ripples through the local food scene, with outpourings of grief and remembrance coming from across the restaurant industry. Zanavich was celebrated not only for his irreverent, high-quality approach to casual food but also for his generosity, humor, and dedication to community.
To support Zanavich’s family during this time, friends and colleagues have launched a GoFundMe campaign. The funds will go toward travel costs, funeral arrangements, and memorial services as his loved ones journey to San Diego under heartbreaking circumstances. Organizers described the effort as a way for the community to give back to someone who gave so much of himself to others.
"This GoFundMe is to help his family, who are traveling to San Diego in the most painful of circumstances," the campaign page reads. "We know there are so many folks who will want to say goodbye. His passing has devastated everyone that knew him - not just his family and friends, but the entire San Diego community."
Since opening the original North Park location in 2018, Zanavich has made The Friendly a cornerstone of San Diego's casual dining scene. His iconic Dirty Flat Top cheeseburgers pioneered the smash burger trend, gaining a cult following with their unpretentious, bold, high-quality style. The North Park, Pacific Beach, Kearny Mesa locations, and The Friendly Tavern in North Park all stay true to his vision, consistently attracting long lines and loyal regulars.
In addition to his work on The Friendly, Zanavich had been collaborating with longtime friend Joey Quinton on Ophelia’s Raw Bar, a champagne and oyster house inspired by Zanavich’s early culinary experiences. The project, though delayed, symbolized the creative and emotional connections that defined much of Zanavich’s career.
For now, the reopening of The Friendly’s locations offers a way for San Diegans to reconnect with the spaces Zanavich built and the spirit he cultivated - a spirit defined by warmth, grit, and good food shared among friends. Memorial plans are expected to be announced in the coming days.
To support Zanavich’s family, visit the GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/f/BrandonZanavichMemorial.
