LA JOLLA – George’s at the Cove has temporarily closed its Ocean Terrace rooftop for a two-month renovation.
The move marks another major shift for George’s restaurant group following the recent permanent closure of its sister concept, Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters in La Jolla Shores.
The Ocean Terrace is expected to reopen in mid-January. During the remodel, George’s Level 2 dining room and bar will remain open for lunch and dinner, while the lower-level dining room will expand service when not booked for private events.
Trey Foshee, chef/operating partner at George’s, said of the remodel, “We will be replacing all the tile, lighting, umbrellas, heaters and tables.”
“We have always been committed to providing a well-maintained and contemporary environment for our guests and employees. This remodel, although disruptive, will set us up for the future and continue to deliver on the high-quality experience we have been known for these last 41 years.
They opted to embark on the project at this time of year because of the impact cooler weather has on business at George’s.
“We have wrapped the entire top of the building in waterproofing to allow the construction work to go on uninterrupted during the winter weather,” he said.
Foshee noted that the other two-thirds of George’s at the Cove – Level 2 and the lower-level dining room – are both open.
“We would normally do the bulk of our lunch, dinner and private events business there during bad weather anyway,” he said.
The Ocean Terrace last closed for a significant period in 2016, when George’s added an elevated bar area.
“We feel it’s important to continue our investment in a restaurant that has meant so much to so many people over the last four-plus decades,” said Foshee. “We want our guests to feel comfortable, at home, and like they will always be a part of something special and unique to San Diego with that majestic view of the water.”
George’s kitchen team is now led by Foshee, executive chef Masa Kojima, and pastry chef Anna Adams, alongside general manager Mike Grave.
George Hauer founded George’s at 1250 Prospect St. on Aug. 9, 1984. Originally occupying the first and second levels of the building, the rooftop Ocean Terrace opened in June 1991 to create a three-level ocean view.
Hauer ran the restaurant for the first 16 years until Foshee was brought on as shortly after receiving Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chef honors in 1998.
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