News Summary
Brothers Danny and Dante Romero, along with partner Darius Yasiejko, are set to transform the Lion’s Share restaurant-bar in downtown San Diego. Previously owned by Carlos Valente and Roy Ledo, the Romeros aim to honor its 14-year legacy while introducing innovations. Dante, currently the executive chef, will oversee kitchen operations, and existing management will stay to ensure a smooth transition. The thriving San Diego culinary scene continues to expand, showcasing new openings and revitalizations, including Fox Restaurant Concepts and the upcoming Fonda del Barrio.
San Diego – The culinary landscape in downtown San Diego is set for a transformation as brothers Danny and Dante Romero, alongside their business partner Darius Yasiejko, take over the Lion’s Share restaurant-bar, previously operated by Carlos Valente and Roy Ledo. The Romeros will transition their Two Ducks pop-up restaurant to this new location, which is situated at 629 Kettner Blvd.
The sale of Lion’s Share comes as a direct result of Valente and Ledo’s decision to approach the Romeros, as they believed the brothers would honor and continue the 14-year legacy of the establishment. Dante Romero, who has been serving as the executive chef at Lion’s Share since April 2024, will continue to lead the kitchen operations. The existing general and bar managers will also remain on staff, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of service for patrons.
Management of Lion’s Share will now fall under Service Animals, the restaurant company co-founded by the Romero brothers just last year. This transition marks a significant step in enhancing their culinary ventures in San Diego. Danny Romero has expressed his commitment to preserving the restaurant’s legacy while exploring new opportunities to innovate the dining experience at Lion’s Share.
In addition to the transition at Lion’s Share, the San Diego restaurant scene is buzzing with new openings and changes. Fox Restaurant Concepts recently launched The Henry’s second location in San Diego County, which occupies a former Panera Bread space at The Forum Carlsbad. The Henry offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features a full bar, with indoor seating for 101 and outdoor seating for 125, located at 1935 Calle Barcelona, Suite 17.
Meanwhile, the Gaslamp Quarter has seen a recent name change at the bar within the newly opened Beau Hotel. After just six weeks, the bar was renamed Witherby in honor of the building’s first tenant. Witherby serves breakfast and dinner, alongside happy hour specials and late-night bar service, located at 927 Sixth Ave.
Another exciting addition to the San Diego dining scene is Fonda del Barrio, a Mexican restaurant that is set to open in Barrio Logan in mid-August. The restaurant will feature a diverse menu showcasing a variety of regional Mexican dishes at 2234 Logan Ave.
San Diego-based Fish Shop is expanding its reach with a fourth location set to open in Oceanside at 236 S. Coast Highway this fall. The new restaurant will continue its tradition of serving fast-casual fresh seafood to local diners.
Raising Cane’s has also joined the flurry of new openings, unveiling its ninth location in San Diego County at 12665 Poway Road in Poway. A tenth location is already under construction in San Diego’s Midway District, indicating continued growth for the popular fast-food chain.
Additionally, in June, Urban Teri Kitchen celebrated its grand opening in Vista’s Shadowridge community, offering a selection of Asian dishes from Spam musubi to ramen, thereby adding to the region’s diverse culinary offerings.
With these developments, San Diego’s restaurant scene continues to evolve, providing exciting options for locals and visitors alike while emphasizing the city’s growing reputation as a culinary destination.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Wikipedia: San Diego
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google Search: San Diego Restaurants
- Eater San Diego
- Google Scholar: San Diego cuisine
- There’s San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Diego
- SDCC Blog
- Google News: San Diego restaurants
