The restaurant's Google Business profile now lists 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant as "Temporarily Closed," while Yelp also identifies the restaurant as temporarily closed and indicates a projected reopening date of November 1, 2026. That date has not been confirmed by ownership, and it is unclear whether it originated from the restaurant or Yelp's internal system. No explanation has been provided, and ownership has not publicly announced the reason for the closure.
SanDiegoVille reached out to the restaurant through email and social media seeking clarification on the closure, including whether renovations, staffing challenges, ownership changes, or other operational issues are involved. As of publication, no response has been received.
For longtime San Diegans, the closure is especially concerning because it follows a remarkably similar episode just four years ago. In January 2022, the nearly half-century-old restaurant abruptly shut its doors after months of pandemic-related challenges. At the time, widespread speculation suggested the beloved landmark was gone for good.
Ownership later clarified that the closure was temporary, citing staffing shortages, COVID-era business conditions, and the temporary suspension of its lucrative Friday nightclub and Sunday brunch operations. After nearly three months, the restaurant reopened in April 2022 with a revamped seasonal menu and scaled-back operations. Whether history will repeat itself remains to be seen.
Originally opened on February 15, 1976, the San Diego location was developed by Specialty Restaurants Corporation as part of founder David Tallichet's ambitious aviation-themed dining empire. Designed to resemble a World War I French farmhouse, the restaurant sits beside Montgomery Field, allowing diners to watch aircraft take off and land while surrounded by military memorabilia, vintage aviation décor, and fireplaces that made it a favorite destination for birthdays, anniversaries, holiday brunches, and special occasions.
Named after the famed 94th Aero Squadron commanded by World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker, the concept once included numerous locations across the United States. As airport expansions, redevelopment projects, and changing dining trends reshaped the restaurant industry, most locations eventually closed. Today, only Miami and the San Diego restaurant remain as the last surviving examples of the once-iconic chain.
The property has also changed hands over the years. Specialty Restaurants sold the San Diego location in 1997, and in 2018 it was acquired by restaurateur Seung Kim, who also owned neighboring Kearny Mesa institution The Butcher Shop. Kim later sold The Butcher Shop while continuing to operate 94th Aero Squadron.
Ironically, the latest closure comes just months after the restaurant celebrated its 50th anniversary. Local history publication Classic San Diego recently recognized the milestone, noting that the restaurant had become one of the city's enduring dining landmarks and one of the last remaining members of the once-national 94th Aero Squadron family.
At present, there has been no indication that the closure is permanent. The restaurant's website specifically describes the shutdown as being "until further notice," while third-party platforms characterize it as temporary. Still, without any public statement from ownership, customers are left with more questions than answers.
For generations of San Diegans, 94th Aero Squadron has been more than simply a steakhouse. It has served as a destination where families celebrated milestones, aviation enthusiasts gathered beside the runway, and visitors experienced one of the city's most distinctive themed restaurants. Whether this latest closure proves to be another temporary pause or something more significant remains uncertain.
SanDiegoVille will update this story if ownership responds or additional information becomes available.
The 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant is located at 8885 Balboa Avenue in San Diego's Kearny Mesa. For more information, visit 94thsandiego.com.
Originally opened on February 15, 1976, the San Diego location was developed by Specialty Restaurants Corporation as part of founder David Tallichet's ambitious aviation-themed dining empire. Designed to resemble a World War I French farmhouse, the restaurant sits beside Montgomery Field, allowing diners to watch aircraft take off and land while surrounded by military memorabilia, vintage aviation décor, and fireplaces that made it a favorite destination for birthdays, anniversaries, holiday brunches, and special occasions.
Named after the famed 94th Aero Squadron commanded by World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker, the concept once included numerous locations across the United States. As airport expansions, redevelopment projects, and changing dining trends reshaped the restaurant industry, most locations eventually closed. Today, only Miami and the San Diego restaurant remain as the last surviving examples of the once-iconic chain.
The property has also changed hands over the years. Specialty Restaurants sold the San Diego location in 1997, and in 2018 it was acquired by restaurateur Seung Kim, who also owned neighboring Kearny Mesa institution The Butcher Shop. Kim later sold The Butcher Shop while continuing to operate 94th Aero Squadron.
Ironically, the latest closure comes just months after the restaurant celebrated its 50th anniversary. Local history publication Classic San Diego recently recognized the milestone, noting that the restaurant had become one of the city's enduring dining landmarks and one of the last remaining members of the once-national 94th Aero Squadron family.
At present, there has been no indication that the closure is permanent. The restaurant's website specifically describes the shutdown as being "until further notice," while third-party platforms characterize it as temporary. Still, without any public statement from ownership, customers are left with more questions than answers.
For generations of San Diegans, 94th Aero Squadron has been more than simply a steakhouse. It has served as a destination where families celebrated milestones, aviation enthusiasts gathered beside the runway, and visitors experienced one of the city's most distinctive themed restaurants. Whether this latest closure proves to be another temporary pause or something more significant remains uncertain.
SanDiegoVille will update this story if ownership responds or additional information becomes available.
The 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant is located at 8885 Balboa Avenue in San Diego's Kearny Mesa. For more information, visit 94thsandiego.com.
Originally published on July 13, 2026.
