The Dish: Taiwanese bakery chain expands into Santee, a free coffee giveaway on Friday, and more
San Diego’s newest location of the international chain 85°C Bakery Cafe has soft opened in Santee, with an official grand opening at 9 a.m. May 22. The Taiwan-based chain, with more than 1,000 locations worldwide, serves European- and Asian-inspired pastries, breads and cakes, as well as coffees. The Santee location joins existing outlets in National City, Mira Mesa and the Westfield UTC shopping center. Soft-opening hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Beginning May 22, the hours will expand to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. 70 Town Center Parkway, Santee. instagram.com/85cbakerycafe
Lofty Coffee marks anniversary with free giveaway: In celebration of its 15th anniversary on Friday, May 15, all Lofty Coffee locations in San Diego County except at the San Diego International Airport) will give a way a free cup of house coffee to customers from opening to noon on Friday. Founded in Encinitas in 2011, Lofty now has six stores countywide plus the airport kiosk. Customers who pick up a free coffee Friday and share a photo and their personal history with Lofty coffee on Instagram May 13 through 31 will also be entered in a drawing to win a free $100 Lofty Coffee gift card. For locations, visit loftycoffee.com.
Black Bear Diner opening soon in Vista: After an 18-month delay, this privately-owned, Redding-based diner chain is finally preparing to open its second San Diego County location this summer. Hiring is now under way. The restaurants have a rustic design aesthetic and traditional diner menu of breakfast items, burgers, salads and milkshakes. The chain has 156 locations coast to coast, including a location in El Cajon. The Vista location replaces the long-shuttered Coco's location at Melrose Drive and West Vista Way. 605 W. Vista Way, Vista. 530-243-2327, blackbeardiner.com
Telefèric Barcelona set to open at UTC: Telefèric Barcelona, a family-owned Spanish tapas restaurant chain based in Palo Alto, is slated to open its newest location next month at Westfield UTC. Founded in Barcelona more than 30 years ago by the Padrosa family and a team of Spanish chefs, the nine-store restaurant chain is known for its pintxos (bite-size snacks), paellas and vast selection of Spanish wines. The local estaurant will serve lunch and dinner daily. 4489 La Jolla Village Drive, #2550, San Diego. telefericbarcelona.com/lajolla
Isola coming to Encinitas: Isola Pizza Bar, with locations in Little italy and La Jolla, opens third location in downtown Encinitas this month. Founded in 2012 by chef/owner Massimo Tenino, and named after his grandmother, Isola restaurants specialize in wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas and pastas made with imported Italian ingredients. 569 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. isolapizzabar.com
Chipotle opens in Poway: A new location of the national Mexican-inspired build-your-own bowl and burrito chain Chipotle has opened in Poway, joining 19 other area locations. The new shop is open from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 13504 Poway Road, Poway. chipotle.com
The Blank Table returns: The pop-up supper club The Blank Table will return on May 28 with the first of six dinners in 2026. Founded by San Diego native Alexandria Ott, the dining series features local chefs and bartenders preparing a five-course dinner with cocktail pairings at locations that are not disclosed to diners until the night before. This year’s dinner series is being shaped by Service Animals hospitality group, led by led by Chef Danny Romero and Kiku Room. The dinners are $275 per person. The first dinner on May 28 will feature “The Great American Bake Off” winner Mackenzie Rubbish and chef Fabrice Hardel of Bonne Vie. Future dinner dates are June 25, July 23, Aug. 20, Sept. 24 and Oct. 27. Details and tickets at theblanktablesd.com.
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