The former Village Grill, a walk-up dining establishment that closed in Balboa Park in 2017, will soon come back to life under new management.
San Diego restaurateurs Jeff Motch and Clea Hantman, who co-own Panama 66 in Balboa Park and Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights, have been selected by the city of San Diego to renovate the quick-service restaurant location between the Casa del Prado Theatre and Spanish Village Art Center. The news was announced by the city on Friday morning.
In October, the city issued a request for proposals for the renovation, operation and lease of the restaurant site. Motch and Hantman’s proposal for a fast-casual restaurant concept was selected. They presented a detailed operating plan and a strong demonstration of their experience and qualifications, the city said.
Motch and Hantman will work in coordination with the city’s Economic Development Department to negotiate lease and with the Parks and Recreation Department on design approvals that are consistent with the Balboa Park Central Mesa Precise Plan. No description of the restaurant concept or opening date have been announced.
The former Village Grill, built in 1973, last served customers from 2014 through 2017.
“We are excited to work with Jeff and Clea to develop an eatery that best serves the park and its visitors,” said San Diego Economic Development Director Christina Bibler, in a statement. “Creating a vibrant restaurant in Balboa Park can come with unique complexities, but given their successful background and excitement for the project, we’re confident it will become a beloved destination in the park.”
The new restaurant offering is the latest in a series of city-funded revitalizations of historic spaces.
The Botanical Building in Balboa Park, which underwent a $26.45 million ground-up reconstruction, reopened to the public in December, just in time for the city’s largest and free holiday festival, December Nights. It is now open seven days a week for the public to visit.
In February, the city entered into an exclusive negotiation agreement with Save Starlight for the historic and also long-shuttered Starlight Bowl near the Palisades Plaza area of the park. The Marston House is also undergoing a significant restoration due to a city-istered $1 million grant from the state of California.
