The closure of Wilma's Carousel, which took effect without any prior public announcement, has left patrons and locals surprised, with the restaurant’s website and social media accounts suddenly disappearing. A brief note posted on the door serves as the only indication of the shuttering. Local commercial real estate brokerage Next Wave Commercial will be marketing the 2,500-square-foot space for sale.
The bar, located at 2401 Kettner Boulevard, Suite B, opened on August 21, 2024, under the ownership of Matt Spencer, a prominent figure in San Diego's hospitality industry known for managing popular spots like Kettner Exchange and The Grass Skirt under his SDCM Restaurant Group. Spencer's broader portfolio, which includes The Whaling Bar at La Valencia Hotel, Captain’s Quarter in Pacific Beach, Waverly Restaurant & Lounge in Carlsbad, Firehouse in Pacific Beach, and others, underscored his experience in the local restaurant scene, bolstered by early support from David and Lesley Cohn of the Cohn Restaurant Group.
Spencer acquired the Carousel Bar property earlier in 2024 from Mauricio Couturier, who originally launched it as Wolfie’s Carousel Bar in 2020, naming it after his son. Spencer, who also owns the neighboring Camino Rivera, rebranded the venue as Wilma's Carousel Bar in honor of his grandmother, investing in a revitalization of the space with design input from Costa Mesa-based Davis Ink.
The refreshed interior featured French Renaissance paintings, floral accents in green and pink, and an ivy-lined swing, while retaining the iconic merry-go-round circular bar as a centerpiece. The menu, crafted by SDCM corporate chef Brian Redzikowski and beverage director Eric Johnson, drew inspiration from the Carousel Bar & Lounge at New Orleans' Hotel Monteleone.
Despite the initial excitement and a promising launch, the lack of a public explanation for the closure has sparked curiosity and concern. The sudden exit suggests potential operational challenges or financial difficulties, though no official details have been disclosed. Rumors also suggest that the revitalization of The Whaling Bar in La Jolla may be facing similar difficulties.
For now, the abrupt end of Wilma's Carousel Bar marks a quiet departure from Little Italy’s vibrant culinary landscape, leaving behind a space rich with potential for its next chapter.
Originally published on March 18, 2025.
