The development came to light after a California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control filing revealed that APS Hospitality Group, the Schwartzes’ company, is assuming the existing beer-and-wine license at the address. The application lists the incoming business under the working name “Blank Slate,” signaling that Chiko’s closure is imminent even though the current operators have not yet formally informed their team.
The Schwartzes, who left Ranch 45 nearly two years ago, will make the incoming Encinitas project their first independent restaurant under APS Hospitality Group. While Ranch 45 continues under separate ownership, the couple has since focused on building a new chapter rooted in creative, chef-driven hospitality.
Blank Slate is expected to be an intimate private-dining and culinary-experiences venue rather than a traditional restaurant. Early details indicate the concept will feature a chef’s counter for 12, indoor seating for up to 50, and a patio, with a design approach centered on warmth, craft, and coastal Encinitas character. The space will become one meant for immersive gatherings where seasonal cooking, intentional design, and personal connection are emphasized.
The site has long been a prominent fixture along Highway 101. Chiko, which opened in 2018 as the second location of the celebrated Washington, D.C.–based Chinese-Korean concept, previously took over the former Bull Taco space and gained a following for its fast-casual yet chef-driven menu. The liquor license transfer now confirms that Chiko’s Encinitas run is approaching its end.
For the Schwartzes, Blank Slate marks a return to hands-on culinary work shaped by decades in San Diego’s restaurant and hospitality industries. Aron, a Culinary Institute of America graduate and former longtime executive chef of the Marriott Marquis, has built strong relationships with local ranchers, farmers, and artisans throughout his career. Pam, a chef and sommelier with deep front-of-house and operations experience, has been instrumental in the couple’s collaborative projects and is helping guide this new venture forward.
Blank Slate is slated to open in early 2026 at 101 North Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas. There
Originally published on November 23, 2025.
