Officials in San Diego have chosen the operators of Panama 66 to launch a new establishment in Balboa Park.
reopening the old Village Grill
that has remained empty for years.
State of play:
Jeff Motch and Clea Hantman, who jointly own both Panama 66 and the well-regarded Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights, were selected through a competitive process to revamp and manage the premises as a new fast-casual eatery, according to an announcement from the city made on Friday.
-
They will collaborate with the parks and recreation department to develop a design that matches the
Central Mesa Precise Plan for Balboa Park.
Between the lines:
In 2014, the pair launched Panama 66, transforming it into an appealing spot for dining, imbibing, and enjoying live tunes within the San Diego Museum of Art’s sculpture garden. This initiative revitalized the nearby Plaza de Panama, infusing energy into the area.
- They will now attempt to replicate their enchantment in an unassuming venue located amidst the Spanish Village Art Center, the Casa del Prado Theater, the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
The big picture:
Mayor Todd Gloria stated earlier this year that the city would
revise the multi-decade-old Balboa Park Master Plan
— Its roadmap for expansion and investment.
-
Resurrecting the Village Grill area is one aspect of his proposal to enhance the park, coupled with refurbishing the
historic-but-downtrodden Starlight Bowl
, and the newly finished
$28 million renovation of the Botanical Building
.
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