Bill Kellogg remembers visiting The Marine Room, a popular restaurant on the coast of La Jolla, as a child.
“We used to get all dressed up in our coats and ties and sit quietly at a table with my grandfather,” Kellogg said. “I remember being fascinated by the roof when the waves would come up.”
Years later, Kellogg is part owner of the business his great grandfather purchased in 1935. The Marine Room, which opened in 1941, was known for having a sliding roof where guests could see the waves splash up while dining on fine American cuisines.
Although the Marine Room has gone through major renovations since 1941, it remains a beloved dining spot in San Diego County. This year, the restaurant celebrates its 75th anniversary.
“It’s become more sophisticated over the years in a lot of ways,” said Kellogg, who took over the family business in 1989. The family also owns the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. “We’ve gone through several remodels, added air conditioning and upgraded the kitchen, but it still has the finest culinary offerings in the city.”
Kellogg said the biggest challenges he and his family have faced over the years is keeping the restaurant alive when it lives so close to the coast.
“The biggest challenge is the location,” Kellogg said. “When you have a building out in the ocean, you’re subject to attack by the elements all the time.”
He recalls times when windows broke because of the waves or when the restaurant closed during the winter. That changed in 1942 when bullet-proofed glass was introduced.
The popular sliding roof also had to be replaced with a permanent roof because of the saltwater that would seep through, Kellogg said.
“The Marine Room would turn into the submarine room,” Kellogg joked.
Despite the challenges, Kellogg believes the restaurant will still have a spot in the future.
“The Marine Room will always be a special occasion restaurant,” Kellogg said. “I think that’s going to continue as it’s truly one of the best situated restaurants in the world. It’s a community treasure and we’re committed to making cuisines people will enjoy. I think we’ll stay on the cutting edge.”
So, who will take over the reins when Kellogg steps down?
“We have about 100 members of the family,” Kellogg said. “We’ve got a few who are coming along and might enjoy doing this as a career. It’s going to remain a family business for generations to come.”
