The expansion into San Diego's North County marks another milestone for founder Nick Balsamo’s fast-growing slider concept, which has evolved from a single food truck parked outside Harland Brewing. The new Encinitas restaurant is located within the former GP Diner next to Matteo Cattaneo’s Gelati & Peccati.
Rosemarie’s aims to bring its signature gourmet sliders - built on Wagyu beef, scratch-made sauces, and fresh buns - to North County while incorporating the brand’s trademark beach-town energy. The partnership with Cattaneo hints at future collaborations and events intended to create a community food hub in the heart of downtown.
The Encinitas opening comes on the heels of a productive yet challenging year for the company. In January, the original Mission Beach location was temporarily shut down by the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health after inspectors cited major vermin and sanitation violations. The restaurant addressed the issues and reopened shortly thereafter, but the closure served as a public reminder of how quickly momentum can turn for even the city’s most popular eateries.
Despite the setback, Rosemarie’s has continued to grow, opening a second location in Ocean Beach last year and maintaining its reputation for high-quality sliders, craft beer, and an accessible, laid-back vibe. In addition to beef sliders, there are also eggplant, shimp, and chicken varies, as well as rotating specials, fries, and more.
Rosemarie’s Buns & Brews Encinitas will operate daily from 11am to 9pm and plans to introduce local events and fundraisers early next year. With its newest location, Balsamo hopes to honor his grandmother’s culinary legacy while solidifying Rosemarie’s place in San Diego’s burger scene - this time, under brighter scrutiny and with lessons learned.
Rosemarie’s Buns & Brews is expected to open on November 1 at 608 South Coast Highway 101 in San Diego's North County city of Encinitas. For more information, visit rosemariesburgers.com.
