A new sign is up, floors and ceiling are in, and shelving is being stocked, according to recent on-site observations shared by customers. everal neighbors who’ve peeked inside say the layout appears geared toward a robust to-go program and a butcher/market counter, with dine-in likely limited.
The comeback follows a turbulent year. Tip Top closed its longtime Carlsbad complex in October 2024 and the underlying property at 6118 Paseo Del Norte was sold that December after a legal settlement involving Top Choice Investments, LLC - a separate real estate entity formed in 2002 by founder Joachim “Big John” Haedrich and an associate. Tip Top Meats the business has always remained with the Haedrich family, who have since secured a new lease within the original building and are reopening independently of that property sale.
The comeback follows a turbulent year. Tip Top closed its longtime Carlsbad complex in October 2024 and the underlying property at 6118 Paseo Del Norte was sold that December after a legal settlement involving Top Choice Investments, LLC - a separate real estate entity formed in 2002 by founder Joachim “Big John” Haedrich and an associate. Tip Top Meats the business has always remained with the Haedrich family, who have since secured a new lease within the original building and are reopening independently of that property sale.
Founded in 1967 by the late “Big John,” Tip Top earned a cult following for its old-world butcher counter, German specialties, imported European groceries, and famously hearty breakfasts. Its closure drew farewell lines and left a void in North County’s comfort-food canon; the brand’s return, even in a smaller format, has sparked outsized anticipation.
Fans should look for core staples - house sausages, schnitzel, deli cuts, and classic breakfast plates - to anchor the reopening, with retail coolers and shelves likely emphasizing essentials over breadth at first. As capacity allows, the family plans to expand offerings and services.
Tip Top Meats is preparing to open at 6118 Paseo Del Norte in Carlsbad, in the former Top Choice Fish Market space adjacent to its historic home. An exact date will be announced once final inspections clear; follow Tip Top Meats on Facebook for updates.
Originally published on October 16, 2025.
