The Brigantine Restaurant Group has been a key player in San Diego's hospitality industry since its founding in 1969 when Mike Morton Sr. and family opened the first location of the surf & turf centric Brigantine restaurant on Shelter Island (in the space where a Miguel's is now). Brigantine Incorporated now employs more than 1,200 San Diegans and operates over 15 restaurants in San Diego County, including Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar restaurants, Miguel's Cocina, Ketch Brewing, Ketch Grill & Taps, and Top Sail restaurant in downtown San Diego.
Similarly, The Fish Market has enjoyed decades of admiration from locals and visitors alike. The company was established in 1976 by Fred Duckett and Robert Wilson, both fishermen and seafood enthusiasts, alongside John Freis, the captain of Duckett's boat, and Dean Betts, a culinary professional. Fueled by a small fleet of their own fishing boats, the first Fish Market opened in Palo Alto, with subsequent expansions in San Mateo, San Jose, Santa Clara, Phoenix, and Del Mar. The flagship San Diego Bay location debuted in 1989, quickly becoming a local institution for waterfront dining. Today, only the Downtown San Diego and Del Mar locations remain operational.
For San Diego residents, this acquisition marks a meeting of two influential brands that share a commitment to quality seafood and community engagement. However, the future of The Fish Market's Downtown San Diego property, located less than half a mile from Brigantine's $25 million Portside Pier property, remains to be seen. Sitting adjacent to the USS Midway Museum and the iconic "Kiss" statue, the property includes the main Fish Market restaurant and its upstairs fine-dining venue, Top of the Market, both of which offer sweeping views of San Diego Bay and Coronado.
This location has faced challenges in the past. In May 2015, a grease fire caused over $2 million in damages, prompting a months-long closure for repairs. Despite such setbacks, The Fish Market has maintained its status as a cherished waterfront dining destination.
Similarly, The Fish Market has enjoyed decades of admiration from locals and visitors alike. The company was established in 1976 by Fred Duckett and Robert Wilson, both fishermen and seafood enthusiasts, alongside John Freis, the captain of Duckett's boat, and Dean Betts, a culinary professional. Fueled by a small fleet of their own fishing boats, the first Fish Market opened in Palo Alto, with subsequent expansions in San Mateo, San Jose, Santa Clara, Phoenix, and Del Mar. The flagship San Diego Bay location debuted in 1989, quickly becoming a local institution for waterfront dining. Today, only the Downtown San Diego and Del Mar locations remain operational.
For San Diego residents, this acquisition marks a meeting of two influential brands that share a commitment to quality seafood and community engagement. However, the future of The Fish Market's Downtown San Diego property, located less than half a mile from Brigantine's $25 million Portside Pier property, remains to be seen. Sitting adjacent to the USS Midway Museum and the iconic "Kiss" statue, the property includes the main Fish Market restaurant and its upstairs fine-dining venue, Top of the Market, both of which offer sweeping views of San Diego Bay and Coronado.
This location has faced challenges in the past. In May 2015, a grease fire caused over $2 million in damages, prompting a months-long closure for repairs. Despite such setbacks, The Fish Market has maintained its status as a cherished waterfront dining destination.
"The decision to sell The Fish Market was not made lightly," said Thomas Wilson, Director of The Fish Market Restaurants Inc. "We are confident the Morton family, with their exceptional legacy and dedication to family-run hospitality, will honor and preserve the values that have been the heart of our brand. We look forward to seeing The Fish Market thrive under their stewardship."
Details of the acquisition remain private, and it is unclear what changes, if any, may occur under Brigantine's future ownership. As part of the sale, The Brigantine Inc. is negotiating to assume the leases of the two Fish Market locations, 640 Via de la Valle in Del Mar/Solana Beach and the flagship building on San Diego Bay at 750 North Harbor Drive in Downtown.
Details of the acquisition remain private, and it is unclear what changes, if any, may occur under Brigantine's future ownership. As part of the sale, The Brigantine Inc. is negotiating to assume the leases of the two Fish Market locations, 640 Via de la Valle in Del Mar/Solana Beach and the flagship building on San Diego Bay at 750 North Harbor Drive in Downtown.
"We are excited to bring The Fish Market and Top of the Market brands under our umbrella and to continue their legacy," said Mike Morton Jr., President of The Brigantine Inc. "The Fish Market’s reputation aligns perfectly with our mission of delivering memorable dining experiences. We look forward to building on the foundation of excellence that The Fish Market team has established."
The deal is expected to close in early 2025, and further announcements will provide more clarity on the future of these establishments. For now, San Diegans can anticipate a promising new chapter for two historic names in local dining, united by a shared passion for fresh seafood and community legacy.
The deal is expected to close in early 2025, and further announcements will provide more clarity on the future of these establishments. For now, San Diegans can anticipate a promising new chapter for two historic names in local dining, united by a shared passion for fresh seafood and community legacy.
Originally published on November 19, 2024.
