One of the world’s most recognizable names in high-end Japanese dining is officially headed to San Diego. Public records, a pending California liquor license, and active executive hiring confirm that Zuma Restaurant is preparing to open its first area outpost in the downtown San Diego, marking the brand’s first foray into Southern California.
According to filings with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, a Type 47 full liquor on-sale general eating place license is currently pending for Zuma San Diego at the northwest corner of West Broadway and Columbia Street in downtown San Diego. The license lists Zuma Japanese Restaurants, Inc. as a member of the entity, with officers including Kemal Tevfik Akdag, Simon Christopher Drysdale, and Sven Koch, CEO of Azumi Ltd., the global hospitality group that operates Zuma and several affiliated brands.
The address corresponds with The Guild Hotel complex in the former Armed Services YMCA building, though it remains unclear whether Zuma will occupy space directly within the hotel or in an adjacent development footprint…