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Founded by brothers Michael and Paul Azakie and named after their mother, Mary, the concept has steadily built a devoted following since opening its flagship location in La Jolla in 2019. The restaurant's success led to the opening of a second location in Ocean Beach earlier this year, and the upcoming Bankers Hill restaurant will further expand the brand's footprint across San Diego County.
Known for emphasizing fresh ingredients, seasonal produce, and house-made dressings, Mary's Gourmet Salads offers both signature creations and build-your-own options. Popular menu items include the Super Food salad made with kale, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and avocado; the East Coast salad featuring roasted chicken, turkey, bacon, mozzarella, and avocado; and customer favorites like the Thai Crunch, Chinese Chop, Santa Fe, and Harvest Cobb salads.
In addition to salads, the restaurant serves soups, beverages, cookies, and a variety of grab-and-go items. Among its most popular offerings is the Gold Coast Soup, a vegan and gluten-free blend of chickpeas, turmeric, vegetables, and warming spices that has developed a loyal following among regular customers.
The new location is planned for the Park Summit mixed-use development, which has recently attracted several new food and beverage concepts as Bankers Hill continues to evolve into one of San Diego's most desirable dining destinations. The building is also home to She Rode West, the recently opened restaurant and bar concept from the team behind East Village steakhouse Cowboy Star.
The expansion reflects continued demand for healthier fast-casual dining options throughout San Diego. While many quick-service restaurants have focused on burgers, pizza, and fried foods, Mary's Gourmet Salads has carved out a niche by offering fresh, customizable meals that appeal to health-conscious diners, professionals seeking quick lunches, and residents looking for lighter fare.
The Bankers Hill location should prove particularly well-positioned given its proximity to Balboa Park, downtown San Diego, Hillcrest, and the growing residential population surrounding Sixth Avenue. The area has experienced significant investment in recent years, with new apartments, restaurants, cafés, and neighborhood-serving businesses continuing to open. An official opening date has not yet been announced.
Mary's Gourmet Salads is expected to open its third San Diego location in the Park Summit building near the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Upas Street in Bankers Hill. The company currently operates locations at 723 Pearl Street in La Jolla and 1929 Cable Street in Ocean Beach. For more information, visit ordermarys.com.
Originally published on June 12, 2026. Information first reported by Joey Reams of WhatNow.
