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Phil's BBQ Founder Among Group Of San Diegans Who Attended Trump Inauguration

Phil Pace, founder of San Diego's popular Phil’s BBQ chain of restaurants, joined a group of more than 75 San Diegans who traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the inauguration of President Trump.Ìý

A significant number of San Diegans endured freezing temperatures to make the journey to Washington, D.C., for President Trump's inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. ÌýOver 75 local Republicans gathered at a D.C.-area restaurant for an inauguration watch party, organized by Congressman Darrell Issa and California State Senator Brian Jones, both longtime San Diego residents.

Pace originally had tickets to the inauguration ceremony but was unable to attend once cold temperatures forced the event indoors. Despite the frigid conditions and the inability to see the ceremony firsthand, he described the experience in the nation's capital as deeply moving and a reflection of his patriotism.

"Well, in the beginning, I really couldn’t help from crying... I mean, shedding a tear," Pace was quoted in an . "My passion that I have for my business and my people, and the passion that I have for my country, Trump will set this country back on the right path."

Phil’s BBQ has been a stalwart of San Diego's dining scene since its inception in 1998 in the Mission Hills neighborhood. Known for its barbecue stapes, onion rings, and signature barbecue sauce, the restaurant quickly gained a loyal following.Ìý

Phil's BBQ has been featured on Adam Richman's shows Best Sandwich in America and Man v. Food. The Point Loma location was also the second most commonly reviewed business in the United States on Yelp in 2013.

In 2007, the flagship location moved to Point Loma, and additional branches were opened in Santee, Rancho Bernardo, Temecula, and San Marcos, as well as within high-profile venues like Petco Park, Sycuan Casino, and San Diego International Airport. The San Marcos location permanently closed in 2020 amidst the pandemic.

For more information about Phil's BBQ, visitÌý.Ìý

Originally published on January 21, 2025.

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