In 2011, British Columbia native Jason McLeod joined the team at San Diego-based Consortium Holdings (CH Projects), which at that time was a small group with a few bars and restaurants, including the well-known Craft & Commerce in Little Italy. As the culinary director, Chef McLeod transformed the company from being primarily a cocktail-focused collective into a respected name in the city's culinary scene. Prior to his time at CH, McLeod was the Executive Chef at Ria in The Elysian Hotel, Chicago, where he earned two Michelin stars in November 2010. 
Inspired by his upbringing near Fanny Bay, an oyster haven in Canada, McLeod launched Ironside Fish & Oyster in Little Italy in 2014, marking his first collaboration with CH. He subsequently opened several other successful venues with the company, including the bi-level steakhouse Born & Raised, the brunch hotspot Morning Glory, Chinese eatery Fortunate Son, and the sandwich and Negroni bar J & Tony's Discount Cured Meats and Negroni Warehouse. He also spearheaded Seneca, a trattoria on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Hotel overlooking San Diego's marina. In 2022, McLeod parted ways with Consortium Holdings and relocated to Las Vegas to oversee the creation of a massive 27,000 square-foot food hall at ARIA Resort & Casino.
Now, Chef McLeod is set to return to San Diego to helm the culinary direction at The Boatyard, a 196-seat, nautical-themed steak and seafood restaurant with a speakeasy set to open next year in the former location of Fiddler's Green on Shelter Island in Point Loma. The Boatyard is being developed by San Diego natives Chalium Muir, January Muir, Whitney Eckis, and Spencer Moran, who are currently seeking additional investors to finalize the project. They have secured a 10-year lease for the space at a monthly rate of $18,559.75, plus a percentage of gross sales. 
The multi-million-dollar renovation of the 6,749 square-foot property is being overseen by renowned local designer Paul Basile, celebrated for his work on some of the city's trendiest dining spots like Cowboy Star, Kindred, and Polite Provisions. Basile is also (allegedly) opening a swanky new bar & restaurant named Roseacre in the heart of La Jolla, although there are grumblings that it may no longer be moving forward.
The Boatyard will channel the vibe of a "Blue Collar Yacht Club," delivering an approachable yet refined setting. The menu will emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients, with steaks and seafood prepared over an open, wood-fired grill. Honoring the memory of Fiddler's Green, The Boatyard aims to pay homage to Point Loma's deep-rooted maritime history while introducing a modern twist to its offerings.
One of the most anticipated features of The Boatyard will be its nautically themed speakeasy, a unique addition to Shelter Island. Hidden behind a harbor-side entrance, this speakeasy will evoke the spirit of old-world maritime adventures, with vintage decor, dim lighting, and a carefully curated atmosphere. The craft cocktail program, designed with input from top San Diego mixologists, will offer an exciting range of drinks to satisfy even the most discerning clientele.
Fiddler's Green closed its doors last year after nearly 30 years of service. The beloved establishment, founded in 1994 by yacht broker Steve Rock and his wife Debi, was known for its nautical decor, with over 300 yacht and boat models lining its walls. In 2020, long-time customer Ron Thomas purchased the restaurant from the Rocks, but by May 2023, the County of San Diego’s Department of Environmental Health Food and Housing Division ordered its closure due to repeated violations.
The Boatyard aims to open in summer 2025 at 2760 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego's Point Loma. For more information, visit theboatyardsandiego.com.
