Swagyu Burger has quietly closed its Poway restaurant after a five year run, further shrinking the footprint of a once-rapidly expanding San Diego burger brand that has undergone dramatic changes over the past two years. The Poway closure comes amid broader instability for Swagyu, which has seen multiple locations shutter, ownership shift, and its identity evolve from a chef-driven local concept into a corporatized, multi-concept operation tied to international investors.
The Poway outpost was one of Swagyu’s earlier suburban expansions following the brand’s initial success in Imperial Beach. Opened in early 2021 as part of the chain’s first growth phase, the location served as a North County anchor and catered heavily to families, commuters, and late-night diners.
In early 2025, the restaurant became the target of two burglaries within a matter of months, including a March break-in in which a safe containing weekend cash was stolen shortly after closing. At the time, management acknowledged significant financial losses and temporarily closed for repairs…