Paesano of North Park, known for its authentic Italian food and founded 50 years ago, will be closing. According to Jeff Chon, CEO and founder of Tabu Shabu, headquartered in Costa Mesa, his third location will take over the property’s lease.
Chon told the San Diego Business Journal that he anticipates Tabu Shabu, which serves Japanese hot pot, is projected to open around September 2019 and will employ about 25. He added that Tabu Shabu, which has one location in Costa Mesa and another in Huntington Beach, also has numerous restaurants in the construction phase, including one in Thousand Oaks.
“We are anticipating opening Orange, Calif., and San Jose, Calif., shortly after,” he added.
The Tabu Shabu North Park spot will be the chain’s first foray into San Diego. “We love the vibe of North Park,” said Chon. “Tabu Shabu has always been directed at servicing the local community – from our staff to our customer base. (North Park’s) mix of artistic and creative uses as well as booming, energetic demographic made it the perfect fit for Tabu Shabu.”
Chon said he and his team are currently in the process of searching for another location in North County, “anywhere between Carlsbad and Encinitas.”
When reached for comments, Paesano’s owners Joe and Shelley Romano weren’t available.
Travel & hospitality reporter Mariel Concepcion can be reached at mconcepcion@sdbj.com or 858-634-4625.
