According to a recently filed application with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, JJang Korean BBQ has submitted plans for an on-sale beer and wine license at 329 West Felicita Avenue in Escondido. The address is home to the freestanding restaurant building just west of Interstate 15 that formerly housed Kalaveraz Cocina before its closure and, prior to that, Sierra Madre Cantina.
The new restaurant will be operated by 4 Guys Korean BBQ Inc., with company officers including Ehab Emad Kako, Sermed Emad Kako and Saif Emad Kako. The filing represents the latest expansion for the locally owned concept, which announced plans in late 2024 to open its first location in La Mesa.
JJang Korean BBQ specializes in traditional Korean barbecue, where guests cook premium cuts of meat over tabletop gas grills built directly into each dining table. The menu is expected to feature favorites such as marinated bulgogi beef, galbi short ribs, pork belly, beef brisket, chicken, beef tongue and other classic Korean barbecue selections served alongside an assortment of complimentary banchan, including kimchi, pickled vegetables, steamed egg and other traditional side dishes. Beer, wine and sake are also expected to be offered.
The Escondido restaurant will breathe new life into one of the city's more recognizable restaurant properties. The building spent years as Sierra Madre Cantina before being rebranded as Kalaveraz Cocina, a regional Mexican restaurant specializing in Jalisco-inspired cuisine and tequila cocktails. Following Kalaveraz's closure, the prominent corner location has remained vacant while restaurant operators searched for a new concept.
Korean barbecue continues to be one of San Diego County's fastest-growing dining categories, with new concepts opening well beyond the Convoy District as operators respond to increasing demand throughout East County and North County. The Escondido location will give North County diners another destination for interactive tabletop grilling without having to travel into central San Diego.
An opening timeline has not yet been announced, as the restaurant's beer and wine license remains pending and interior renovations are expected before service begins.
JJang Korean BBQ is planned for 329 West Felicita Avenue in Escondido. For more information, visit jjangkoreanbbq.com.
Originally published on August 1, 2026.
