In my 16 years as a San Diegan, I’ve enjoyed the plethora of “secret” local spots, but there’s something inescapably fun to succumbing to the tourist traps. I’ve paid the entry fee to squeeze my way through the corridors on the USS Midway, waited in line for overpriced hot cocoa at the Ghirardelli chocolate shop downtown, and cruised through the bay on at least four of the different Hornblowers. But one thing I have yet to cross off my faux-tourist bucket list is taking the ferry from the Convention Center to Coronado Ferry Landing.
Come spring 2026, I’ll have no excuse to keep my “ride the ferry” task unchecked, because that’s when Social Syndicate will unveil their most ambitious project yet—a built-from-the-ground up space over 12,000-square-feet on water’s edge at the Coronado Ferry Landing, next to Il Fornaio.
“We want it to be a fixture, be sustainable and on the island for 20, 30 years,” says Brendan Huffman, chairman and co-founder of Social Syndicate Hospitality. The hospitality group already operates 11 unique concepts across San Diego, including Wonderland and Blue Water Seafood in Ocean Beach, Monarch in Del Mar, Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs in El Cajon, Bootlegger in Gaslamp Quarter, and more. He says while Coronado’s recent food and beverage additions have helped revitalize the affluent city with fresh ideas—with more on the way like the forthcoming CH Projects’ hotel The Baby Grand, and Nobu coming to the Hotel del Coronado—the east side of the island felt ripe for something new.
The concept doesn’t yet have a name, but Huffman says it’ll be a vibrant, casually approachable yet upscale destination that emphasizes good food and even better cocktails. Barring any last-minute delays from the city, he plans to break ground within 90 days and estimates around 18 months for the full buildout by architect Matt Kingdon at COAR Design Group. The creative team is still brainstorming the details, but Huffman plans to have a 7,200-square-foot interior space with 18-foot-tall ceilings to make the most of the views. “It’ll literally be a tough place to leave,” he laughs.
It’s taken four years for Social Syndicate to figure out what would (and wouldn’t) work for this venture. Now, Huffman and his team are finally ready to join the island’s hospitality renaissance. “[It’s] going to be a game changer for the community of Coronado,” he promises. “We are on a quest to do something great here… let’s dance!”
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Modern Times To Close Production Facility in Midway District
Modern Times Beer isn’t “dead,” but I’d say it’s on life support. After founder Jacob McKean resigned amid allegations of harassment and toxic workplace environment in 2021, the struggling brewery closed five satellite locations before Maui Brewing Company purchased the company in 2022 and merged into Craft ‘Ohana. This week, Craft ‘Ohana CEO Garrett Marrero announced they were closing the flagship production facility in Midway District to transition fully to contract brewing at AleSmith Brewing Company. Basically, they’re still brewing beer (or at least, AleSmith will be), roasting coffee (at a partner location yet to be announced), and the North Park and Encinitas locations will remain open. Nearly 60 people will be laid off when the facility officially closes in the coming months, so if you’re looking to hire, keep an eye out for some good people.
Beth’s Bites
- Coffee Cycle is officially open and roasting at 4856 Voltaire Street in Ocean Beach. Congrats to the team on their second location—I’ll be by shortly when that sandwich menu launches.
- Different neighborhood, same “new coffee shop” celebration. Torque Coffee is now open at 3459 El Cajon Blvd on Tuesdays through Fridays, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Welcome to the ‘hood! ☕
- Mamma Mia Market & Sicilian Deli is one step closer to opening at 4231 Spring Street in La Mesa, applying for their ABC license and getting a new roof. This particular restaurant has been in limbo for well over a year, but hopes to open by the end of the month.
Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to food@sdmag.com.
