First announced in August 2022 with plans for a late 2023 debut at the former site of Ramiro’s Mexican Food and Surfside Sushi on Mission Boulevard, the project faced delays but is now poised to bring its signature "coop" vibe to this coastal neighborhood. Founded in 2015 by celebrity chef Richard Blais and business partner Mike Rosen adjacent to their Juniper & Ivy restaurant, The Crack Shack has grown from its Little Italy roots to include outposts in Encinitas, Costa Mesa, and Las Vegas, with this Pacific Beach opening marking a significant milestone after navigating a challenging development timeline.
The new Pacific Beach location is situated one block from the beach next to the former Denny's, which now houses Prince Street Pizza and Irv's Burgers. The eatery will feature a mostly al-fresco design with a walk-up counter, a full bar, and outdoor patio seating, echoing the laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere that has redefined dining at other sites.Ìý
Expect lawn games, a large-format video wall, and a convenient take-out area, catering to both dine-in guests and those grabbing food for beach picnics. The menu, crafted by founding executive chef and culinary director Jon Sloan, will showcase the chain's iconic crispy Jidori chicken sandwiches, hearty salads, grain bowls, luxury milkshakes, and fresh-baked cookies, with rotating specials and location-specific promotions. The Crack Shack's commitment to high-quality, non-GMO Jidori chicken and locally sourced ingredients continues to drive its reputation as a crowd-pleaser, built on a foundation of fine-dining precision in a fast-casual setting.
This opening follows a period of strategic refocus for The Crack Shack, which parted ways with an Utah-based investment partner in 2024 after closing five Utah locations that had transitioned to hot chicken outlets. The company has also shuttered several branches in Los Angeles and Colorado. Operations director Dan Pena has emphasized the Pacific Beach spot's perfect fit for the beachside community, with a $2 million renovation transforming the 4,500-square-foot space into a social hub.Ìý
The Crack Shack will open on Wednesday, March 5 at 4525 Mission Boulevard in San Diego's Pacific Beach. For more information, visitÌý.
Originally published on March 2, 2025.Ìý
