Serafino, a forthcoming all-day cafe and wine bar, is getting ready to open in San Diego’s Mission Hills neighborhood at 301 W. Washington Street.
The company’s new location is currently undergoing a full renovation that will combine two adjacent storefronts into a single 3,100-square-foot space, according to a press release. Serafino is slated to open in Fall 2026 and marks a reunion for a founding team that first worked together 14 years ago before pursuing separate careers across hospitality, wine, culinary leadership, and community services. Co-founders David Cross and Rebeca Cross are leading the project alongside General Manager Amanda Sarich.
At the center of the concept is a hospitality model shaped by David Cross’s work as founder of Civitas Living and Rebeca Cross’s background as a high school special education educator. Civitas Living supports adults with developmental disabilities in independent living and employment opportunities throughout San Diego County. While Serafino will not operate as a nonprofit or training program, the business plans to build a diverse team made up of individuals of all abilities alongside experienced hospitality professionals. The ownership team says the goal is to create meaningful employment opportunities within a standards-driven hospitality environment…