Bear Flag Fish Co., the Newport Beach-based seafoodery known for its sustainable “wave-to-table” practices, is preparing to open a new location in Costa Mesa, its website advertises. The business is working with the city on approvals for a new eatery at 154 E 17th St.
The project is listed in active review with Orange County Health Care Agency records, but the most recent update is listed as “Unable to Approve Plans” as of October 6. Santa Monica Seafood, which closed in February after nearly 30 years in the community, used to be the tenant in the space, according to Yelp.
Bear Flag Fish Co. was founded in 2007 by Thomas “Thos” Carson, who remains the owner and active fisherman behind the brand. The company currently operates three Southern California locations — Newport Peninsula, Crystal Cove, and Huntington Beach…