If 2025 is the year of restaurants doubling up with partners and pop-ups to make ends meet, then Donna Jean and Evolution Fast Food are already ahead of the curve by bringing in a third partner to their space. On October 15, Val’s Vegan Kitchen will move in, bringing their late-night vegan comfort food concept with them. (There’s a throuple joke to be made, but I’ll resist.)
Originally launched as a ghost kitchen in the Aztec Food Hub near SDSU, Val’s Vegan Kitchen has basically been in research & development mode since they opened, says owner Michael Allen. “We were just tinkering all the time.”
Their differentiator: late-night vegan options.
Two reasons for this focus: First, because Allen works full-time at UCSD during the day; and, two, because vegans who work late and eat after need options, too. Operating out of a ghost kitchen was always meant to be a jumping-off point. When Evolution reached out to see if Val’s would be interested in occupying their space after they close for the day, Allen and his wife and business partner Fernanda leapt at the chance.
The Allens have even bigger dreams for Val’s—they’re already working on a location in Long Beach (which they hope to open in the next six months) and have a goal to open multiple locations in the future. For now, they’re happy to have a permanent home in San Diego.
“We want vegans to have everything that non-vegans have,” he says. And by the looks of it, their offerings just might give any of these burgers a run for their money.
Val’s Vegan Kitchen opens at 2611 El Cajon Blvd. on Wednesday, October 15. Hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Fridays through Sundays, 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. (Be sure to check Donna Jean and Evolution Fast Food for their operating hours.)
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Sandpiper Restaurant Closing In La Jolla Shores November 1
After an unprecedented week of restaurant closures, another one announces its upcoming end. Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters will close November 1, marking the end of the concept’s four-year run by George Hauer and chef Trey Foshee, the partners also behind George’s at the Cove. The duo originally took over the space in 2015 as Galaxy Taco, but switched it in 2021 to focus on wood-fired seafood and fresh oysters. They’ll run one last month of service through October, tipping their hats to the space’s taco history, offering a taco trio special of one fish, one birria, and one mushroom, plus a house margarita for $28. Show up, marg yourself, and send them off right.
Madi’s new location in Pacific Beach.
Beth’s Bites
- Pacific Beach is trading late night for early morning—or, at least offering its early risers some more options. Madi opened its second location in PB this week, bringing with it all the breakfast and brunch delights you could ever want. (And if you don’t rise with the sun, don’t worry—it’s open until 2 p.m. daily.)
- Khachapuri very quietly soft opened in University Heights this week, bringing Georgian cuisine into the San Diego spotlight. Not the grits and hush puppies Georgia, but the Caucasus region of eastern Europe, with specialties like its namesake cheese-filled bread (khachapuri). Check out the menu and give it a whirl (with patience! Like I said, very soft open).
- It’s Oktoberfest season and Ocean Beach’s is one of the best. This weekend (Oct. 10-11), Newport Avenue transforms into Munich, Germany with tons of German beers, brats, tunes. Grab a general admission ticket at the door or go for VIP ahead of time.
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