San Diego restaurateurs Jeff Motch and Clea Hantman have been selected by the city to breathe new life into the former Village Grill site in Balboa Park.
The duo, known for Panama 66 in the San Diego Museum of Art and Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights, is now taking on the new project.
In October, the city issued a request for proposals to renovate and lease the restaurant space near the Spanish Village Art Center.
After a competitive selection process, Motch and Hantman’s proposal for a fast-casual restaurant was chosen. Their detailed operating plan and track record in the local restaurant scene made them a good fit for this project, according to the city.
Motch and Hantman will work closely with the city’s Economic Development Department to finalize lease terms and coordinate with Parks and Recreation to ensure the design aligns with the Balboa Park Central Mesa Precise Plan.
The former Village Grill, a staple in the park since 1973, was last open to the public from 2014 to 2017.
This new restaurant is part of a larger ongoing effort to ensure Balboa Park remains a dynamic and sustainable hub for culture and recreation. In December, the newly reconstructed $26.45 million Botanical Building reopened to the public. It’s now open seven days a week for visitors to enjoy.
Additionally, the city has entered into an exclusive agreement with Save Starlight to preserve the historic Starlight Bowl near the Palisades Plaza area of the park. Marston House is also receiving a major restoration thanks to a $1 million grant from the state, administered by the city.
