Taking over a historic venue comes with lots of expectations—just ask the folks who revived institutions like Milton’s Delicatessen in Del Mar or J-K’s Greek Cafe in La Mesa. That balancing act of homage-meets-modernization is a skill Chad Cline and Jason “Rocky” Nichols have honed at places like Aero Club and Hearth House, which they took over in 2018 and 2024, respectively. All their venues—which include The Waterfront Bar & Grill, Sycamore Den, Werewolf, The Hills Pub, and Harbor Town Pub—are designed to feel approachable for all guests.
But their latest project, an event space called The Quin, is going to be a little different.
Housed in the former Fluxx nightclub space, Cline says The Quin will be part private event space, part downtown nightlife destination. “It’ll feel like a club in here, but it’ll also have corporate events,” he explains, including company parties, bar mitzvahs, birthdays, or wedding receptions. The 11,000-square-foot space fits over 900 guests, and with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, three full-service bars, and full kitchen, will be able to accommodate pretty much any request a party host can think of. On nights The Quin isn’t reserved, it will be available to book for public events.
But part of Cline’s emphasis on hospitality stems from past experiences being turned away from Fluxx, or feeling lost in a crowd at other large-scale nightclubs. It’s not something he wants to happen at The Quin. “[When] I’ve gone to these larger scale places, sometimes I’ve felt pretty invisible. We’re going to try to approach it where we’re making sure everybody’s having a good time.”
Local designer Ame Parsley revived the historic building, which dates back to 1930. Originally built by Thomas A. Quin in San Diego’s former Chinatown (now the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District), the Spanish Colonial Revival exterior maintained its original facade with a full interior upgrade for The Quin. Its family’s roots run deep in San Diego; Quin’s own father, Ah Quin, was a prominent businessman and local figure known informally as the former mayor of San Diego’s Chinatown.
While The Quin won’t directly replicate Fluxx’s nightclub vibe, Cline says it’ll pay homage to the building’s recent and historical history with recurring events like “Fluxx Nights.” The debut event, “Heaven & Hell Halloween: The Nightlife Debut,” will introduce the new space with DJs, live music, go-go dancers, small bites, and a complimentary welcome drink. Interested guests must request an invitation for a chance at admission.
Despite a different approach to hospitality than Cline and Nichols have done in the past, Cline says they’re ready to try something new, albeit ambitious. “It’s way different than anything we’ve ever done… but we’re mainly focused on the people,” he says. “[Hopefully people] notice that we’re trying very hard to make sure they’re appreciated and they leave happy. We think it’ll work out.”
Get a sneak peek at The Quin on October 31 at 500 Fourth Avenue.
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