The owner of San Diego's The Haven Pizzeria and Kensington Cafe is opening a new concept dubbedÌýDaffodil Cafe at theÌýLa Jolla Commons Tower.
San Diego restaurateur Lauren Passero-Brookes is preparing to launch her latest venture, Daffodil Cafe, at 4747 Executive Drive in La Jolla, with a new concept tailored for the office community. The cafe will occupy the ground floor of the prominent office building within the La Jolla Commons office park, following a recent liquor license application.Ìý
This addition builds on Passero-Brookes’ established reputation, honed through her ownership of The Haven Pizzeria and Kensington Cafe, as well as her past collaboration with Kate Grimes on the now-closed Del Sur Mexican Cantina. Passero-Brookes has targeted an early June 2025 opening, a plan initiated after American Assets, the property management firm overseeing La Jolla Commons, and a customer approached her to bring the concept to the office park.
La Jolla Commons, developed by American Assets Trust, Inc., a real estate investment trust based in San Diego, spans approximately 18 acres and includes two 11-story office towers, retail spaces, and a central plaza. The office park, located near the Westfield UTC shopping center, was first established in the late 1980s and underwent significant redevelopment in the 2010s, with the towers at 4225 and 4747 Executive Drive completed in 2015 and 2017, respectively.Ìý
Daffodil Cafe is anticipated to open in June 2025 atÌý4747 Executive Drive in San Diego's UTC area of La Jolla.Ìý
La Jolla Commons, developed by American Assets Trust, Inc., a real estate investment trust based in San Diego, spans approximately 18 acres and includes two 11-story office towers, retail spaces, and a central plaza. The office park, located near the Westfield UTC shopping center, was first established in the late 1980s and underwent significant redevelopment in the 2010s, with the towers at 4225 and 4747 Executive Drive completed in 2015 and 2017, respectively.Ìý
American Assets, which acquired the property in 2005, has focused on attracting high-quality tenants and amenities, including dining options like Daffodil Cafe, to enhance the work environment for its 1.2 million square feet of office space. The park's strategic location and modern infrastructure make it a fitting backdrop for Passero-Brookes’ latest endeavor, aimed at serving the needs of office tenants and nearby residents.
Passero-Brookes, originally from El Paso, Texas, and a college graduate from Colorado, transitioned from a marketing and advertising career to the restaurant industry after rediscovering her passion for food. Her San Diego journey began with Kensington Cafe, opened in 2012 in the Kensington neighborhood at 4147 Adams Avenue, a cozy spot known for its hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and community vibe.Ìý
Passero-Brookes, originally from El Paso, Texas, and a college graduate from Colorado, transitioned from a marketing and advertising career to the restaurant industry after rediscovering her passion for food. Her San Diego journey began with Kensington Cafe, opened in 2012 in the Kensington neighborhood at 4147 Adams Avenue, a cozy spot known for its hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and community vibe.Ìý
In 2020, she expanded with The Haven Pizzeria at 4051 Adams Avenue, next to Kensington Grill, offering a casual menu of pizzas, salads, and healthier crust options, which has since become a local favorite. Alongside Kate Grimes, she launched Del Sur Mexican Cantina in South Park in March 2016 at 2310 30th Street, introducing gourmet Mexican fare with healthy twists, including jackfruit tacos and vegan tamales. Despite its initial success, Del Sur closed in 2019 due to operational challenges, leaving Passero-Brookes to focus on her remaining establishments. Her experience with these ventures has shaped her approach to Daffodil Cafe, reflecting a blend of community focus and culinary innovation.
Daffodil Cafe will offer breakfast, lunch, and grab-and-go items, with a strong emphasis on catering services for the office park. The menu will prioritize whole ingredients and healthier options, designed to appeal to daily diners seeking nutritious yet flavorful meals. Passero-Brookes highlighted the cafe's goal of providing "good food that you can feel good about," with a regularly changing menu to keep offerings fresh for tenants and neighbors. The cafe will serve coffee, smoothies, snacks, and a variety of grab-and-go options, aiming to create a "super friendly, neighborhood feel" within the corporate setting. The open layout and focus on an escape from office life align with Passero-Brookes' vision of fostering a welcoming atmosphere, drawing on her success in building community-centric dining spaces.
Daffodil Cafe will offer breakfast, lunch, and grab-and-go items, with a strong emphasis on catering services for the office park. The menu will prioritize whole ingredients and healthier options, designed to appeal to daily diners seeking nutritious yet flavorful meals. Passero-Brookes highlighted the cafe's goal of providing "good food that you can feel good about," with a regularly changing menu to keep offerings fresh for tenants and neighbors. The cafe will serve coffee, smoothies, snacks, and a variety of grab-and-go options, aiming to create a "super friendly, neighborhood feel" within the corporate setting. The open layout and focus on an escape from office life align with Passero-Brookes' vision of fostering a welcoming atmosphere, drawing on her success in building community-centric dining spaces.
Daffodil Cafe is anticipated to open in June 2025 atÌý4747 Executive Drive in San Diego's UTC area of La Jolla.Ìý
