Valley Farm Market Brings Back Famed BBQ Shack In San Diego's East County

January 5, 2024

After a two year hiatus, San Diego's more than 60-year-old Valley Farm Market has reopened its famed BBQ Shack at the original Spring Valley location in East County.

Founded in the San Diego East County community of Spring Valley in 1956 by Felix and Eleanor Marso, Valley Farm Market has been operated by the founders' four children over the years and is now managed by grandson, Derek Marso. In addition to a commitment to sourcing only the finest food items, Valley Farms has come to be known for hosting frequent community events and supporting area charities and youth sports teams.

In fall 2019, Valley Farm opened a 5,000 square-foot outpost in La Jolla within a new mixed-use complex near Windansea beach. The family also owns and operates a country-style restaurant and lodge dubbed The Outpost by Valley Farm at the former Blue Jay Lodge on Sunrise Highway within Cleveland National Forrest in Mount Laguna and is in the process of opening a new Valley Farm Market location on the base floor of Del Mar Plaza.

In early 2022. Valley Farms Market closed their onsite BBQ Smokehouse Shack after Super Bowl Sunday. Ownership renovated the stand to become Gatherings Grounds by Valley Farm, a coffee, smoothie and juice bar, as well as a full kitchen to the Spring Valley store, which allowed them to offer a similar menu as La Jolla.

Valley Farm Market has now reopened their outdoor space as The Shack Kitchen & Coffee, offering a menu of their low-and-slow barbecue meats available in platter and sandwich form, as well as breakfast plates, side dishes, tacos, bowls, quesadillas, burritos, nachos, loaded fries, wings, poke bowls, salads, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, juices, smoothies and coffee drinks. 

The Shack Kitchen & Coffee will be open from 6:30am to 7pm daily at 9050 Campo Road in San Diego's East County community of Spring Valley. For more information, visit valleyfarmmarkets.com/the-shack-kitchen-coffee and check out the menu below.