Beyond The Pile-On: What Consortium Holdings Reveals About How We Eat, Gather, And Judge Culture In San Diego

A fresh round of Reddit pile-ons has further painted San Diego's Consortium Holdings (CH Projects) as little more than influencer-fueled fodder, a chain of restaurants built for Instagram rather than for the table. The critique is catchy; the reality is more complex. 

Fred’s Mexican Cafe In Old Town San Diego Closes After 25 Years

Fred’s Mexican Cafe, also known as Casa de Fred’s, has permanently closed in Old Town San Diego after 25 years of business. The decision, announced on social media and confirmed by a notice posted on the restaurant’s door, marks the end of one of the neighborhood’s most familiar dining institutions.

Madi Brunch-Focused Restaurant Unveils In San Diego's Pacific Beach

San Diego has a new brunch destination as the team behind Madison on Park and Madi in Normal Heights has opened Madi Pacific Beach, bringing creative breakfast and lunch dishes, cocktails, and coffee to the former Rubio's location.

Camino Riviera Bar & Restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy Closes Permanently

Camino Riviera, the Riviera Maya–inspired bar and restaurant that brought a nightlife-driven energy to San Diego's Little Italy, has permanently closed. The surprise announcement came Monday with ownership revealing on social media that the venue had already hosted its final service.

Black Plague Brewing Closes Doors After Eight Years, Highlighting Struggles For San Diego Craft Beer

Black Plague Brewing, the North County San Diego-based brewery known for its dark aesthetic and inventive branding, has permanently closed after eight years in business. The company shut down its 13,000-square-foot Oceanside brewery and its Escondido taproom over the weekend, bringing an abrupt end to a run that once included multiple locations and a devoted following.

The Shoppes at Carlsbad In San Diego's North County Sold For $71.5 Million

The Shoppes at Carlsbad, a long-standing North County retail landmark, has been sold in a $71.5 million transaction to a joint venture between Steerpoint Capital and SteelWave. The deal, announced September 23, marks the second acquisition completed by the partners under their growing platform targeting major retail and mixed-use properties across the western United States.

Interactive Pancake Restaurant Flap Your Jacks Closes In San Diego's North Park After 5.5 Years

Flap Your Jacks, the do-it-yourself pancake restaurant that became a brunch staple in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, has permanently closed after more than five years in business. The announcement was made on social media Monday night, with owners thanking customers for their support since the restaurant’s opening in March 2020.

Spitz Mediterranean Street Food Returns To San Diego With Pacific Beach Opening

Spitz Mediterranean Street Food has unveiled on Garnet Avenue, bringing back döner kebabs, falafel, Berliner Fries and more. The LA-born chain returns to San Diego in the former Crushed space with a sunny patio, art-driven vibes, and a killer lineup of craft beer, hard seltzer, sangria and wine.

Starbucks To Close A Dozen San Diego County Stores As Part Of Nationwide Restructuring

Starbucks is shuttering at least 12 locations across San Diego County as part of a sweeping turnaround plan aimed at cutting underperforming stores in North America. The closures come as the coffee giant grapples with declining sales, increased competition, and efforts to refocus its brand under CEO Brian Niccol.

San Diego’s Civic Center Plaza To Transform Into an All-Day Pop-Up Party for Downtown Dreamin’

San Diego’s Civic Center is about to look a little different this fall. On Thursday, October 9, the second annual Downtown Dreamin’: Spaces Reimagined will turn Civic Center Plaza into an all-day, 21+ celebration of food, music, art, and community in the heart of downtown.

Harland Brewing To Close One Paseo Location After Six Years As Company Expands Elsewhere

Another wave of change is hitting Del Mar’s One Paseo complex as Harland Brewing prepares to close its tasting room there this October after six years in business. The move comes amid a period of transition for the high-profile Carmel Valley development, which has seen a steady mix of closures, arrivals, and retools since it first debuted in 2019.

San Diego Restaurants Ordered Closed This Week (September 19 - 25) By County Health Department

This is the weekly list of San Diego County restaurants and food facilities that have faced temporary closures and downgraded status due to health inspections from September 19-25, 2025.

University Heights’ Red House Pizza Closing After 13 Years In Business

Another beloved neighborhood eatery is preparing to say goodbye. Red House Pizza, on Park Boulevard in San Diego’s University Heights, has announced that this weekend will be its final service.

San Diego Dining Group Bringing Romanella Cucina Romana To Bay Park, Taking Over Former La Pastaia Space

Another restaurant shuffle is underway in San Diego’s Bay Park. Romanella Cucina Romana is set to debut this October, taking over the address most recently home to La Pastaia, which closed last month after just two years.

Sushi Gaga Temporarily Closes In San Diego’s East Village, Plans To Reopen In 2026 After Remodel And Culinary Journey

Downtown San Diego’s acclaimed Sushi Gaga has announced a temporary closure, but fans of the intimate omakase experience need not worry - the restaurant is preparing for a major return.

Telefèric Barcelona To Bring Tapas & Spanish Flare As Part Of Westfield UTC’s New Luxury Culinary Wing

San Diego is about to get a taste of Spain. Telefèric Barcelona, the Spanish tapas and paella concept, is set to open a location at Westfield UTC in La Jolla as part of the mall's latest luxury expansion.

Alaska Airlines To Open Massive 13,000-Square-Foot Lounge At San Diego Airport

San Diego travelers will soon have another luxury spot to unwind before flights as Alaska Airlines is building a new lounge in Terminal 2 at San Diego International Airport.

Jack Johnson Stuns San Diego Crowd With Intimate Surprise Live Performance At Local Bar

A lucky crowd in San Diego County got the show of a lifetime this weekend when Jack Johnson turned up at a neighborhood bar and delivered an intimate live set to a packed house.