Chef Rob Brouillard, who has been guiding the kitchen and creative direction of The Friendly since Zanavich’s passing in 2025, confirmed that the project moving into the space formerly expected to house Ophelia’s Raw Bar will instead debut as B’s Bodega, a New York-style deli concept designed as both a tribute and an extension of The Friendly family.
“B’s is a NYC-inspired bodega featuring breakfast sandwiches, hot and cold deli sandwiches - no modifications - along with beer, wine, snacks, and coffee,” Brouillard told SanDiegoVille. “While it’s inspired by the classic New York style, it will align closely with the vibe and food style of The Friendly.”
The concept marks a shift from earlier plans for Ophelia’s Raw Bar, the French champagne and oyster bar previously announced for the space adjacent to the original Friendly on 30th Street. Brouillard confirmed that project is no longer moving forward. Instead, the new bodega concept emerged after Brouillard was asked to develop a fresh idea for the location.
“I’ve partnered with the original investor of The Friendly to move the project forward,” Brouillard explained. “I’m leading the project and bringing on Chef Derek Daniels to help with the menu.”
Daniels previously worked as a sous chef at some of San Diego’s most respected kitchens, including Herb & Wood, Cucina Urbana, Trust, and Seneca, before joining The Friendly team roughly a year and a half ago.
The project will also involve Brandon James Keeper, the former owner of Wavy Burger, who joined The Friendly last year and will assist with general management of the new bodega.
The name B’s Bodega is intended as a tribute to Zanavich, affectionately known by friends and colleagues simply as “B.” The founder of The Friendly passed away unexpectedly in May 2025 at the age of 41, sending shockwaves through San Diego’s tight-knit restaurant community.
While the bodega concept wasn’t something Zanavich and Brouillard had specifically discussed before his death, Brouillard said the project is meant to carry forward the spirit that defined Zanavich’s approach to food and hospitality.
“We all miss Brandon every day,” Brouillard said. “This bodega is a way for us to keep his legacy going.”
That legacy began in 2018 when Zanavich opened the first Friendly on a quiet stretch of 30th Street in North Park. With its irreverent atmosphere and wildly popular Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger, the restaurant quickly developed a cult following among chefs, bartenders, and late-night diners. The brand expanded in the years that followed. The Friendly Tavern opened in North Park in 2019 in the former Carnitas’ Snack Shack space, followed by a location in Kearny Mesa.
Despite the growth, the core philosophy has remained the same: simple food executed well, served without pretense, and priced to remain accessible. Brouillard says B’s Bodega will carry those same values into a new format inspired by the fast, straightforward energy of classic New York corner stores.
The menu will focus on breakfast and other sandwiches, as well as NYC deli-style offerings, including a chopped cheese sandwich, echoing the straightforward ordering culture of traditional bodegas. Beer, wine, coffee, packaged snacks, and other grab-and-go items will round out the experience.
Meanwhile, The Friendly itself continues to operate three locations and remains one of San Diego’s most beloved casual dining brands.
“The Friendly is going stronger than ever,” Brouillard said. “We look forward to continuing our tradition of solid burgers and weekly specials at accessible prices. B’s Bodega shares those same values and will be a fun extension of our family.”
B’s Bodega aims to open by September at 4594 30th Street in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood. For more information, follow @bsbodega on Instagram.
The name B’s Bodega is intended as a tribute to Zanavich, affectionately known by friends and colleagues simply as “B.” The founder of The Friendly passed away unexpectedly in May 2025 at the age of 41, sending shockwaves through San Diego’s tight-knit restaurant community.
While the bodega concept wasn’t something Zanavich and Brouillard had specifically discussed before his death, Brouillard said the project is meant to carry forward the spirit that defined Zanavich’s approach to food and hospitality.
“We all miss Brandon every day,” Brouillard said. “This bodega is a way for us to keep his legacy going.”
That legacy began in 2018 when Zanavich opened the first Friendly on a quiet stretch of 30th Street in North Park. With its irreverent atmosphere and wildly popular Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger, the restaurant quickly developed a cult following among chefs, bartenders, and late-night diners. The brand expanded in the years that followed. The Friendly Tavern opened in North Park in 2019 in the former Carnitas’ Snack Shack space, followed by a location in Kearny Mesa.
Despite the growth, the core philosophy has remained the same: simple food executed well, served without pretense, and priced to remain accessible. Brouillard says B’s Bodega will carry those same values into a new format inspired by the fast, straightforward energy of classic New York corner stores.
The menu will focus on breakfast and other sandwiches, as well as NYC deli-style offerings, including a chopped cheese sandwich, echoing the straightforward ordering culture of traditional bodegas. Beer, wine, coffee, packaged snacks, and other grab-and-go items will round out the experience.
Meanwhile, The Friendly itself continues to operate three locations and remains one of San Diego’s most beloved casual dining brands.
“The Friendly is going stronger than ever,” Brouillard said. “We look forward to continuing our tradition of solid burgers and weekly specials at accessible prices. B’s Bodega shares those same values and will be a fun extension of our family.”
B’s Bodega aims to open by September at 4594 30th Street in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood. For more information, follow @bsbodega on Instagram.
Originally published on March 10, 2026.
