Miguel's Cocina will close within 4S Commons Town Center after the end of service on November 4, 2025. The closure marks the end of a 15-year run for the Brigantine Restaurant Group’s outpost, which first opened in the summer of 2010.
While Miguel’s remains a well-established San Diego brand with locations in Carlsbad, Coronado, Old Town, Point Loma, and Portside Pier, the 4S Ranch restaurant struggled to recover from a highly publicized food safety crisis. In October 2023, more than a dozen cases of E. coli were linked to the site, with seven diners hospitalized, including a 14-year-old boy who developed a life-threatening complication.
The outbreak ultimately sickened at least 35 people, led to multiple lawsuits, and was later tied to the first confirmed death - 87-year-old John Christ Ferber, a Korean War veteran and longtime commercial banker, who passed away on October 26, 2023. Although Ferber had underlying health conditions, county officials confirmed his illness was linked to Miguel’s 4S Ranch. Attorneys representing victims have argued that the restaurant exposed diners to a dangerous pathogen for nearly two weeks, with contaminated cilantro speculated as the possible source.
The restaurant closed temporarily during the investigation and eventually reopened, disinfecting the space, replacing all food on site, and retraining staff in food handling practices. But despite these measures, the reputational damage was lasting, and the location never fully recovered.
Miguel's replacement, Flecha Cantina, is part of actor Mark Wahlberg’s expanding portfolio of business ventures. Described as "Mexican redefined," the concept combines classic dishes with elevated offerings like braised short ribs and sea bass with chimichurri. The beverage program is anchored by Wahlberg’s Flecha Azul tequila, which he co-owns, but also features a wide variety of craft cocktails and brunch-friendly drinks. Flecha has already opened in Huntington Beach and Las Vegas, with Wahlberg personally promoting the brand across the country.
Miguel's replacement, Flecha Cantina, is part of actor Mark Wahlberg’s expanding portfolio of business ventures. Described as "Mexican redefined," the concept combines classic dishes with elevated offerings like braised short ribs and sea bass with chimichurri. The beverage program is anchored by Wahlberg’s Flecha Azul tequila, which he co-owns, but also features a wide variety of craft cocktails and brunch-friendly drinks. Flecha has already opened in Huntington Beach and Las Vegas, with Wahlberg personally promoting the brand across the country.
San Diego is already familiar territory for Wahlberg. He co-founded Municipal, a performance apparel company whose 16,000-square-foot flagship store opened in Oceanside in late 2024. Wahlberg has also made appearances in the region to promote Flecha Azul, stopping by supermarkets in Shelltown and Encinitas and restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter to pour tequila for fans. His high-profile visits often generate significant buzz, though not all locals have embraced his ventures - the Municipal store was vandalized twice in its first year.
The arrival of Flecha Cantina at 4S Ranch reflects Wahlberg’s ongoing push to plant deeper roots in Southern California while expanding his hospitality footprint. For locals, it also marks a turning point: the closing of a long-standing Miguel’s Cocina location that once thrived but never fully regained momentum after a devastating outbreak.
Flecha Cantina is expected to open in 2026 at 10514 Craftsman Way in San Diego's 4S Ranch. For more information, visit flechacantina.com.
The arrival of Flecha Cantina at 4S Ranch reflects Wahlberg’s ongoing push to plant deeper roots in Southern California while expanding his hospitality footprint. For locals, it also marks a turning point: the closing of a long-standing Miguel’s Cocina location that once thrived but never fully regained momentum after a devastating outbreak.
Flecha Cantina is expected to open in 2026 at 10514 Craftsman Way in San Diego's 4S Ranch. For more information, visit flechacantina.com.
Originally published on September 7, 2025.
