Roughly 75% of all flowering plant species need animal pollinators to reproduce, and alarming reports about the health of pollinator communities sparked a change in Judd and Victoria Curran, owners of Happy Bee. Their concern for pollinators started to come into focus after reading a startling article in the New York Times Magazine titled, “The Insect Apocalypse” in November 2018, followed by more dire news about the Western Monarch Butterfly and bumblebees in crisis thereafter.

“Our intent was, and still is, to help honeybees and other pollinators in a time of major decline,” says Curran. His first step was to transform the lawn of his Golden Hill home into something of a paradise for pollinators with drought-tolerant, California native plants. Beyond the obvious visual transformation that took place with these changes, what Curran didn’t realize was how important the flowering plants he introduced would be to the native pollinators in our region, and how they would descend into his yard in great numbers and with regularity.

With his new garden abuzz with excitement, Curran decided to dive into the world of beekeeping and provide a safe haven for all of his new pollinators. They knew that it wouldn’t be easy, and that they would likely face difficult challenges. But their commitment to intensive regular observations and an integrated management approach have paid off. “We have not lost a colony yet, despite major challenges,” says Curran. “We owe a great deal of our success to the knowledge and guidance we have received from the San Diego Beekeeping Society and County of San Diego Apiary Program.”

Almost immediately, the bees at Happy Bee started producing lots of honey. Curran notes the incredibly diverse year-round foraging options in San Diego’s ideal marine-influenced coastal environment with both native local flora and mature trees within an irrigated urban landscape. He suspects the combination of all of these factors resulted in extraordinarily productive foraging with outstanding honey quality.

But what to do with all of this honey?

“It was too good not to share,” says Curran. Most important to Happy Bee is the value of reciprocity. “We love that it is hyper-local. We love that the more our community works on developing and nurturing their gardens, the more our Happy Bees give back to the community by way of honey.”

In 2021, Curran officially launched Happy Bee as a home kitchen business licensed by the County of San Diego. The designation allows Curran to harvest, bottle, and sell his honey from his home. Since then, Happy Bee has produced four large batches of honey. Each batch has sold quickly with the latest selling out in under 48 hours.

Although Happy Bee has been tremendously successful in terms of its production and sales, success in Curran’s view comes from designing a business, activity, or venture founded on the values of compassion, cooperation, and solidarity. Curran says they are in the “business” of strengthening our community and nurturing connections and positive social interactions amongst our neighbors by bringing people together on a common thread—reversing the trend of declining abundance of pollinators in San Diego.

“It’s an issue that affects us all,” says Curran. “We rely heavily on pollinators for food production, both in our local gardens as well as in our industrial-scale food production systems. But, it is also an issue that can be addressed at the individual-level by the decisions we make in our community with the potential for a big positive impact, all while bringing us together. And together we can make a significant difference. When we do, our metric of success as a Golden Hill business is ‘off the charts’.”

National Pollinator Week is held every year the world over to support pollinator health. The U.S. Senate’s unanimous approval and designation of a week in June as National Pollinator Week was a needed step to addressing the issue of declining pollinator populations. The week gives scientists and the public a special week to celebrate pollinators and spread the word about what we all can do to protect them.

You can help pollinators by sharing Pollinator Week on your social media, building native bee houses, planting pollinator habitat in your yard and many other ways. For more information about how you can help, please visit pollinator.org, HappyBeeSD.com, or call the County of San Diego Bee Hotline at 1-800-200-BEES (2337).

Happy Bee is located at the corner of 22nd and E Streets. They can be reached at HappyBeeSD@gmail.com, online at HappyBeeSD.com, on Instagram @happybeesandiego. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter to get information about pollinators in our area and any upcoming sales.

A good barber not only knows the ins and outs of cutting hair but must also have a sympathetic ear. There is something about sitting in a barber’s chair that allows people to open up and express themselves. The barber is someone who has probably heard it all, and as such can offer keen advice.

For Andrew Lee, owner of Paloma Barbershop, becoming a barber was a natural choice. Coming from two generations of nurses, Lee realized it’s in his blood to help ease people through life’s ebbs and flows. He is a great listener. He’s patient. And he genuinely cares about people.

Inspired by the confidence a fresh haircut gave him to land a new job, Lee set out to learn the trade. He trained at a local barber academy, mentored with established barbers, and finally in 2016 launched his own shop.

Lee wanted a barbershop with a positive ethos. So, he baked the mission right in the name, “Paloma”, Spanish for dove. Lee chose the dove, a symbol for peace, claiming it’s the only hope we have for the world. He says, “When we take care of ourselves, we can connect with each other a little easier.”

Lee believes the barbershop experience is one that reflects the unique lifestyles and personalities of each individual who sits in the chair. Personal connection, empathy, and inclusivity can make a basic grooming practice go from an act of duty to one of strength and self care. “Cold drinks and great tunes are also paramount to having a good time in life,” Lee added. “So we have those, too.”

Picking a location for his business was a little challenging, but Lee fell in love with a cozy spot on 28th Street. He said Golden Hill was the place he felt he could best serve because of the eclectic mix of people who seemed to really care about their neighborhood. He describes his storefront, “Like a geode in the heart of San Diego’s Golden Hill: a little rough and unassuming on the outside with a burst of color and intentional expression inside.”

Indeed, the inside of Paloma Barbershop is exciting. A pink lava-lamp mural pulsating magic vibes dominates the far wall. There is a custom pink and green barber’s pole in the corner and a handmade stained glass sign hanging from the ceiling. Old school barber’s chairs sit across from sleek wooden benches. Lee certainly put a lot of thought and effort into creating a vibrant space that also feels warm and welcoming.

Lee specializes in both traditional clipper cuts as well as mod-inspired, shaggy cuts with shears. He is inspired by traditional barbering techniques that transform a normal haircut into something of a pampered grooming. Lee only uses cruelty-free, natural products, including his own handcrafted rosewater aftershave. No matter the cut, customers will leave Paloma with a freshly shaved neck, a nice smelling aftershave, and maybe a pep in their step.

“I pride myself in using my empathy and expertise in traditional barbering for a holistic, comforting experience,” says Lee. “My daily motivator is making people feel welcome and boosting their confidence.”

Traditionally, the barbershop is a community space where people gather and meet their grooming needs. At Paloma, they take this communal ritual to the next level. Their book club events and creative potlucks bring a diverse range of people and their talents under one roof to share their joy and merriment.

While the pandemic has put many of his community events on hold, Lee still offers support and advice to anyone in his chair. When I visited, I asked him if he had any advice for young entrepreneurs. Lee stroked his beard as he thought and said, “Put intention into every detail of your business.”

Wise words from Mr. Lee. From the art-filled walls to his community building efforts, Lee has without a doubt infused intention into every detail.

Paloma Barbershop is located at 2802 B Street. They are open Tuesday to Saturday. Appointments necessary; no walk-ins at this time. You can reach them at (619) 542-9181, by visiting palomabarbershop.com, or on social media @palomabarbershop.

Mario and Maggie Rosales worked for a corporate retail giant for many years. Tired of the grind they set out to find a business they could run themselves. “We always envisioned ourselves as entrepreneurs and loved the way great food brings people together,” says Maggie.

But transitioning from retail to a restaurant came with great risk. Neither Mario nor Maggie felt prepared to start from scratch. Instead, they were interested in acquiring a business that they could perfect and make their own. After months of due diligence, they found Giorgino’s in Golden Hill. “I wanted to run a restaurant that was doing something unique,” says Mario. “San Diego is saturated with taco shops and burger joints. What Giorgino’s offers is something different.”

With a few professional tips and some guidance from the previous owner, Mario and Maggie were able to hit the ground running. The Rosales officially relaunched Giorgino’s on the very lucky day of July 7, 2007 (07/07/07).

They scaled down the menu putting the emphasis more on Giorgino’s most unique offerings. Previously, Giorgino’s had specialized in East Coast-style deli sandwiches, a few pasta dishes, and of course, the cheesesteak. Mario and Maggie reduced the full-scale deli and pasta options and expanded the variety of cheesesteaks offered. Mario even struck a deal with neighbor, Sepulveda Meats, to offer authentic Argentinian choripán sausage sandwiches, a nod to Mario’s Italian-Argentine heritage.

So, what makes Giorgino’s the “best cheesesteak in town” as their sign proclaims? It has to be the authentic ingredients. To start, Giorgino’s only uses Amoroso rolls flown in from Philadelphia, the birthplace and capital of cheesesteaks. Next comes the highest-quality, perfectly cooked cuts of steak or chicken. Then the hot, sizzling base is topped with Philly-based Dietz & Watson cheeses, or for the true City of Brotherly Love experience, Cheez Whiz. Finally, customers can choose from a seemingly endless list of add-ins like onions, peppers, and specialty sauces.

One menu item in particular makes Giorgino’s a cult favorite, pork roll. Anyone who has lived or spent time in New Jersey is familiar with pork roll, also known as Taylor Ham. The salty, smoky slices of pork roll are a staple for New Jerseyans often served with eggs and cheese on a toasted roll. Mario and Maggie were unfamiliar with pork roll before they started running Giorgino’s, but they quickly learned that New Jersey transplants eager to satiate their cravings made for regular customers.

Since the beginning, Mario and Maggie have worked behind the scenes to ensure that Golden Hill receives its fair share of services and attention. They worked closely with city officials to add additional parking to 28th Street. They beautify the community by removing graffiti and trash at their own expense. For their efforts, Giorgino’s was named “Business of the Year” in 2009 by the Golden Hill CDC.

After 15 years of running a successful business, I asked Mario and Maggie what they liked about being in the neighborhood, “Golden Hill is a great community to play, live, socialize, work or just hang out. Neighborhood feel within a big city is hard to beat. We have a great customer base and community of neighbors that care.”

When asked what advice they would give a young entrepreneur, Mario had a lot of sage wisdom, “Although often extremely satisfying, being an entrepreneur is not all roses. Entrepreneurs often dedicate most of their waking hours to their business. Having a passion for something does not necessarily translate into being a successful business owner. Your well executed business plan, ability to adapt, willingness to change, unwavering dedication, leadership skills (if you have a team) and overall financial wellness are key factors required for a high likelihood of success.”

Giorgino’s is located at 1237 28th Street. They are open Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday 10:30am – 8pm, closed Monday and Wednesday. You can reach them at (619) 234-9141, by visiting giorginos.com, or on social media @giorginos1.

Expertise is an art and owner, Jess Gonsalves brings over 14 years behind the chair. She is an acclaimed National Artist with L’Oréal Professionnel. She has been a stylist in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York City. Most recently, Gonsalves worked for Maven Salon’s sister location, Rinse Salon, in North Park.

Since launching in March 2022, Maven Salon offers hair styling, hair coloring, and haircuts from their glamourous new salon. Specialty services include Yoko straightening, hand-tied extensions, and the ultra-trendy balayage. Large group requests, such as for a wedding, are available by consultation.

Wondering what to expect at Maven? Think mid century modern flare, big garage doors for starters. Maven is outfitted within a historic A-frame style Texaco car garage. Guests will see the original 1970’s stone wall and mosaic tile in the reception area.

Gonsalves explained that the former Texaco station, located in the “You Are Here” building at 811 25th Street, was a major draw for her business. The unique character of the space lends itself to the type of artistic vision Gonsalves had for Maven Salon.

But choosing Golden Hill was about more than an exciting storefront. Gonsalves enjoys the vibrancy of 25th Street and the opportunity for growth as Golden Hill continues to redevelop.

Gonsalves appreciates that businesses in Golden Hill have such a close relationship to their customers. She recognizes how tight-knit the Golden Hill community is, so she developed a customer service model to match.

“When guests walk into Maven, we want you to feel right at home and experience our version of laid back luxury,” says Gonsalves. “Our stylists will spend time getting to know you and your hair so that we can create a look that is as natural and as unique as you.”

I asked Gonsalves what advice she would give a young entrepreneur. Gonsalves smiled and said, “Find a mentor you look up to and want to learn from.”

Gonsalves knows the value of mentorship, which is why she has made mentoring others a cornerstone of her career. “I truly wanted to build a strong team and watch them grow!” she exclaimed, “One of my favorite things in my career is to train someone from the ground up and watch them grow into a successful stylist!”

Maven Salon is located at 811 25th Street #105. They are open Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 8pm, Saturday: 9am – 6pm. You can reach them at (619) 483-8977 and by email mavenhairsalon@gmail.com. Check them out online at www.mavensalonsd.com or on Instagram @mavensalon_

As a child Mahaney was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. In grade school he answered, “stuntman”. In junior high he answered, “photographer”. But it was in a high school economics class that Mahaney would have a revelation. His teacher had surveyed the room on career goals and received the typical teenage answers. “My teacher then addressed the class lamenting that none of us expressed a desire to be an entrepreneur,” recounted Mahaney. “That was the first time the concept of starting my own business was introduced to me. And from that day on, I always thought about owning my own business.”

While the spark of entrepreneurial spirit had been lit within Mahaney, it would be several years before he struck out on his own. He worked in restaurants and as a photojournalist during his late teens and early-20s; ultimately joining the Navy at 23. His assignment was in the Supply Department, running the shipping office on an aircraft carrier.

Mahaney found satisfaction in his role and appreciated the learning opportunity it presented. “I started focusing on jobs dealing with logistics and operations management,” says Mahaney.  “I worked my way up from warehouse worker, to Warehouse Manager, Fulfillment Manager, Operations Manager, and finally Director of Logistics.” As Mahaney progressed he used his proximity to business owners to seek advice about his own desire as an entrepreneur.

In 2009 it was announced that the Golden Hill Post Office would be closing. The USPS facility, dubbed George Washington Station, was located at the corner of C and 26th Street. Having served Golden Hill since the 1960s, the loss of a post office became Mahaney’s opportunity. Using his experience in shipping and logistics, Mahaney drafted a business plan and set to work. The result would be Express Center, a full-service postal center with mailbox rentals, notary services, overnight shipping, mailing and parcel services.

“Golden Hill is a great neighborhood for a business like Express Center,” Mahaney explains. “The store works well with the walkability of the neighborhood as we are able to provide neighborhood conveniences that customers would otherwise have to drive for.”

Located at 2801 B Street in the historic Caroline/Welton apartment building, Express Center plays a vital role in the Golden Hill community. For small businesses, Express Center is a partner in every sense of the word. Mahaney and his team offer the necessities of business operations without the extreme overhead of a traditional office. This way a budding entrepreneur can send and receive mail, print important documents, and scale their business without a lot of start-up capital.

But it is not just Mahaney’s business model that helps young business owners. Express Center has a paid internship program for people interested in learning about shipping, e-commerce, and small business management. Mahaney has also dedicated a lot of personal time to helping the next generation. “I am currently working on developing a Golden Hill Business Group,” he says. “I hope that it can foster a ‘Young Entrepreneurs Club’ that could produce neighborhood events and spur the next wave of small businesses in the neighborhood.”

Mahaney’s commitment to helping the next generation is rooted in his own success. He discussed how he was mentored and the value that provided him. “The US Small Business Administration has a great resource called SCORE, Service Core of Retired Executives,” says Mahaney. SCORE mentors, he explained, offer area-specific advice at no cost (financing, human resources, business planning) via email, telephone and video. “I can’t recommend their classes enough. Especially the ones about how to write a business plan.” 

Having received a lot of sage advice over the years, I asked Mahaney if he had anything to share with young entrepreneurs. “Define the ‘pain’ that you are trying to solve with your business as accurately as possible. Don’t be afraid to fail. Be prepared to fail often, but fail forward. Learn from your mistakes. Try to find a mentor who you can learn from.”

Express Center is located at 2801 B Street. They are open Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm, Saturday: 10am – 2pm. You can reach them at (619) 546-0640, via fax (619) 546-0642, and by email info@expresspbc.com. Check them out online at www.expresspbc.com or on Instagram @expresscenter.goldenhill

San Diego is in love with its pets. According to a WalletHub study in 2021, San Diego ranks 9th overall in a list of pet-friendly US cities. We have an abundance of pet-friendly restaurants and dog parks meaning you’re bound to see a wagging tail just about wherever you go. That’s why having a high-quality, trustworthy team to safely leave your pet with is so important.

It’s no surprise that Lisa Vargas, owner of Bark Out Loud, has been successful in Golden Hill. As the community’s only brick-and-mortar pet services business, Bark Out Loud is a hub for pet owners. Located at 1039 25th Street, Bark Out Loud offers full-service dog grooming alongside daycare, healthy pet treats and food, and accessories.

Vargas launched Bark Out Loud in 2017 after 10 years managing and grooming for a corporate pet store. It was during this time Vargas met Vince Valdez, the man she would partner with to run Bark Out Loud. Having worked closely with Valdez, Vargas knew he had the skill and patience to help her run a successful business of their own.

Choosing a storefront came rather easy for Vargas. “A couple of friends mentioned this great location in Golden Hill that we (my husband and I) couldn’t let pass by,” says Vargas. That advice came from Vargas’s friend, Antonette Villa, owner of Studio HBA, which opened at 2507 C Street in 2016. The longtime friends are now storefront neighbors and continue to support each other’s success.

When asked what inspired her to become a small business owner, Vargas replied, “I wanted to make my dad proud. He always pushed me to be more.” Now in its fifth year in business, Bark Out Loud has become more than Vargas could have dreamed of. The business has tremendous support from repeat customers with whom Vargas has built strong relationships.

“The people,” says Vargas in response to my question about her favorite part of running a business in Golden Hill. “Everyone I meet is always so nice and sweet.”

Stepping inside Bark Out Loud you’ll be greeted by barking, the smell of shampoo, and the sight of wagging tails. For a dog-lover it’s a bit like walking into paradise. The most unique feature of Bark Out Loud is the mezzanine level with observation windows for dogs. Look above the cash register and your eyes meet the sweet gaze of a dog in Bark Out Loud’s daycare program.

Leaving your furry friend in the hands of someone else can be stressful, but Vargas and her team assuage those fears with a warm smile. Customers can relax knowing their pet is in capable hands. “I’ve been bringing my dogs here for years,” a customer told me. “They take such great care of my older dog who is blind and deaf.”

In addition to Vargas and Valdez, Bark Out Loud’s third employee is Lisa’s son Erik. Having practically been raised in a dog salon, Erik, though young, has the confidence and experience of a veteran groomer. He laughed when asked about what it was like to grow up in this environment and proudly showed his tattoo of the family pet, Fluffy, he has on his leg. Fluffy was also the inspiration for the business’s logo making it clear that deep love of pets is at the heart of why Bark Out Loud has been so successful.

For my final question, I asked Vargas what advice she’d give a young entrepreneur. “Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Do things with patience. Everything always falls into place.”

Bark Out Loud is located at 1039 25th Street. They are open Tuesday – Friday: 8am – 5pm, Saturday: 9am – 3pm, and closed on Sundays and Mondays. You can reach them at (619) 501-4747, by visiting barkoutloudsandiego.com, or on social media @barkoutloudsd. Se habla español.

“We want all of San Diego to know just how amazing Golden Hill is.”

Guillermo Lopez, founder of Los Reyes, cultivated his passion for preparing and serving food while working for Cotija’s Mexican Restaurant. Lopez said the opportunity was a crash-course in operating a fast-casual restaurant. He quickly mastered the trade and was thriving. But Lopez knew he could add a twist to the model and offer a unique experience. So, it was in 1993 that Lopez chose Golden Hill to launch the king of Mexican restaurants, “Los Reyes”.

“Growing up, I watched my dad work 12-hour days on repeat,” said Lopez, Jr. about his father’s work ethic. “Nothing is handed to you in this world, and the recipe for success starts with good old fashioned hard work.”

The hard work paid off for Lopez. Los Reyes has expanded to three San Diego locations. Lopez said of his achievements, “Love and believe in whatever you’re doing.”

Success in the restaurant industry starts with the food. Lopez crafts the Los Reyes menu around his customers. He gets to know them; learns what specialty dishes they crave. Loyal fans rave about the King Burrito, for example. It is the Los Reyes take on a surf and turf burrito featuring shrimp, carne asada, and your choice of fries or seasoned potatoes. More recently, Lopez introduced a new Pozole recipe exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays, but customers quickly demanded the soup be served every day.

The latest culinary innovation from Los Reyes is the new weekend brunch menu. Featuring a nice blend of Mexican and American classics, Golden Hill finally has a proper brunch spot. Feel free to indulge with Churro Waffles. These perfectly crispy waffles are topped with caramelized bananas, blueberries, and whipped cream. Or try the El Patron Omelet stuffed with chorizo, veggies, beans, and rice. And what’s brunch without a cocktail? Los Reyes offers mimosa flights in four flavors, a popular Bloody Mary with bacon, and a Horchata Borracha with Tito’s vodka, caramel liqueur, and house-made horchata.

When Lopez, Jr. joined the family business, he brought his knowledge of emerging restaurant trends. New menu items were developed and plans to radically enhance the dining experience were laid. Lopez, Jr. envisioned taking Los Reyes from fast-casual to bone fide neighborhood hangout. Los Reyes expanded its footprint starting in 2017 to create a larger dining room, covered outdoor area, and sidewalk cafe.

The expansion of the 2496 Broadway site by Los Reyes is a significant part of the increased vitality of Golden Hill. The 25th Street Revitalization Project introduced wider sidewalks and traffic calming with a goal of making it safer for pedestrians. Understanding the opportunity, Lopez made complementary investments to the new streetscape. As a result, the northwest corner of 25th and Broadway is buzzing with customers, commuters, and the casual passerby.

“Contributing to the evolution of this beautiful part of town is something I thoroughly enjoy,” Lopez replied when I asked him about his motivation to invest. “I’ve seen the progress made here, and we do our part to shape and define this wonderful neighborhood.”

I asked father and son what they hoped to see in Golden Hill moving forward. “We hope that more people realize how special this part of town is. We want to see our community thrive and continue its upward trajectory. There are incredible businesses and people here, and we want all of San Diego to know just how amazing Golden Hill is.”

Los Reyes Bar & Grill is located at 2496 Broadway. They are open Monday-Sunday from 7am-10pm. You can reach them at (619) 231-0716, by visiting losreyesfoods.com, or on social media @losreyesgh.

“Enjoy what you do.”

Friends Taylor Johnson and Dusty Peterman launched Mortis Studio in 2016 after years of freelance work. “We felt we could offer something different,” said Johnson. That difference, it turns out, is the broad range of skills the pair bring to the table. From graphic design and illustration to video art direction and podcasts, Mortis Studio infuses their unique brand of “cool” into any medium.

Since its launch, Mortis Studio accumulated an impressive list of clients. Flipping through a magazine you’re bound to come across some of their campaigns and products. Well-known brands like Urban Outfitters, Patagonia, and Stussy hired Mortis Studio for graphic design projects. Music videos for bands like Django Django, Quicksand, and Turnstile all feature Mortis Studio art direction.

Forgoing a shiny steel and glass skyscraper or remote office park, Mortis Studio boldly ventured down a new path. The team chose to open their creative studio in a retail storefront on a neighborhood main street. Having lived in the area years back, Johnson and Peterman knew Golden Hill had the atmosphere they were looking for. “We love being surrounded by movement in the community,” said Johnson.

But opening an office in a former pawn shop came with challenges and opportunities. The storefront at 1038 25th Street has a large display window once filled with jewelry and musical instruments. Other retail-to-office conversions would have removed the display and replaced it with curtains. Johnson and Peterman opted instead to transform the display window into a rotating art gallery. “I really enjoy seeing art in the window,” said James Milton, a resident of Golden Hill. “It’s the coolest part of walking down 25th Street.”

Inside the studio, Johnson and Peterman have decorated with bold colors and patterns; blurring the line between office space and trendy gallery. You won’t find any grey, soul-crushing cubicle walls at Mortis Studio. The layout reflects the openness and spirit of collaboration Johnson and Peterman are trying to cultivate. Indeed, it’s hard not to be inspired at Mortis Studio. Every direction you turn your head there is some eccentric piece of art to fascinate over.

Feeling like I may accidentally spend the afternoon exploring the studio, I asked Johnson and Peterman my final question, “What advice would you give a young entrepreneur?” Peterman was quick to answer, “Enjoy what you do.” One look around and it’s obvious Mortis Studio enjoys every moment of what they do.

We at the Golden Hill CDC commend Mortis Studio for investing in Golden Hill. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend away from brick-and-mortar retail leaving many unsightly vacancies. Experts agree, the solution to vacant storefronts will require new ideas. Mortis Studio’s transformation of 1038 25th Street represents the future, and we wish them success.

Mortis Studio loves collaboration and welcomes new projects. They are located at 1038 25th Street and online at mortisstudio.com. Follow them @mortis_studio or send emails to info@mortisstudio.com.

“I think when we can be honest and happy with ourselves, everything else will follow.”

Kim’s restaurant journey began in 2007. “My sister and I love seafood. The thought of eating seafood at wholesale price sounded pretty good at the time. So, my sister, my husband, and I decided to open Crab Hut, our first business venture together,” Kim said. Crab Hut, the well-known and much loved seafood restaurant, quickly grew to three locations around San Diego, including Downtown, Mira Mesa, and Convoy.

Building off the success of Crab Hut, Kim wanted her next venture to reflect she and her family’s Southeast Asian culture. Taking root from the culinary heritage of Vietnam, Kingfisher presents a classic take on authentic Vietnamese French-inspired food with a California sensibility. Combined with a forward thinking and elevated craft cocktail program, Kingfisher strives to provide an exciting balance of the soulful and intricate flavors of traditional Vietnamese dishes and ingredients.

After careful consideration, the spot Kim chose to open Kingfisher was at 2469 Broadway here in Golden Hill. “We love all the iconic businesses in the area,” Kim said. Her team went to work transforming the long-vacant space, but the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many delays. However, in January 2022 Kingfisher opened to much fanfare. “Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive.”

In his review of the new restaurant, Ian Anderson of the San Diego Reader wrote, “[t]he neighborhood hasn’t seen anything like Kingfisher, the sort of upscale restaurant that announces itself with a meticulously designed interior paid for with glossy magazine spreads in mind. A mid-size dining room surrounds an oblong island bar that blends hard surfaces of tile, ceramic, and polished metal; the entire room softened by the matte creams and greens of stylized lotus flower wallpaper.”

While the ambiance of Kingfisher is surely something to swoon over, the food and cocktails are the true showstopper. General Manager, David Patrick Tye, has put together a fine selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Among the cocktails, guests can choose from two categories: minimalism and maximalism. On the lighter side is the Vietnamese Spritz with jujube, lychee, aperol, prosecco, orange, and lemon. While on the heavier side is the French Architecture featuring Seven Caves’s Custom Kingfisher Lemongrass Rum, fair kumquat, lemon, and a sugar rim. With so many refreshing cocktails to choose from, you might have just found your new favorite happy hour.

The heavenly scents wafting from the kitchen are all the brainchild of Executive Chef Jonathan Bautista, formerly of Georges at the Cove in La Jolla. Bautista developed an exquisite menu that is seafood-heavy for sure, but also features beef tartare and a bone-in 35 day dry-aged prime ribeye. Among the small plates you’ll find diver scallops, crispy chicken wings with a tamarind glaze, and some fabulous escabeche. Kingfisher’s Salt Spring Mussel escabeche, a stand-out dish, includes coconut, fennel, cucumber, Fresno chilies, lemon verbena, and Thai basil.

Among the selection of full-size dishes, the Local Halibut stands out. With dill, turmeric, roasted turnips, spring onions, rice noodle aglio e olio, shiso, chili, and nuoc mam this entrée is full of great flavors and is excellently balanced. This iconic fish recipe is one of the most popular dishes in the Vietnamese capital city of Hanoi. You might also want to try the Baja Striped Bass with caramelized fish sauce, mustard greens, green onion, crispy shallots, and a buttered rice bowl.

For our final question we asked Kim what advice she would give a budding entrepreneur, “I find it easier when I love what I do. And I do love my industry very much. I only put out products that I love. I think when we can be honest and happy with ourselves, everything else will follow. Don’t go into any field thinking money is the ultimate goal.”

We couldn’t agree more. Kingfisher is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Patrons can feel (and taste) the passion Kim and her team put into creating this new restaurant.

Kingfisher is located at 2469 Broadway. The kitchen and patio are open from 5PM to 10PM while the bar is open until Midnight. Closed on Tuesday. For more information please visit kingfishersd.com.