SAN DIEGO — Rubio's Coastal Grill has closed 13 locations in the San Diego area.
The Carlsbad-based chain shuttered a total of 48 underperforming locations throughout California as of Friday, May 31. Eighty six stores in California, Arizona and Nevada are still open, according to a Rubio’s Coastal Grill spokesperson.
“Making the decision to close a store is never an easy one," the spokesperson said.
The chain, known for its fish tacos, started in Mission Bay in 1983. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020, noting the impact of COVID-19 on its business.
Rubio's conducted a "thorough review of its operations and the current business climate" before deciding to close more stores.
"The closings were brought about by the rising cost of doing business in California," the spokesperson said. "While painful, the store closures are a necessary step in our strategic long-term plan to position Rubio’s for success for years to come.”
The closures come as devastating news for many San Diegans.
“I’m sure a lot of businesses are going through the same problems. We’re overtaxed, overburdened, everything in San Diego is more than everywhere else," said San Diegan Joe Garrie.
“I’m bummed that they’re closing, I go there at least once a week. I mean, they’re a San Diego staple,” said Rubio's customer Chris Hoyh.
“It’s sad to see that it’s a quality good company that can’t keep all of their Rubio’s open," added customer Donna Bravo.
Here is a list of the San Diego locations that have closed:
- 1480 Eastlake Pkwy Suite 901, Chula Vista, CA 91915
- 419 Parkway Plaza, El Cajon, CA 92020
- 1485 E Valley Pkwy Suite A-6, Escondido, CA 92027
- 9187 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite 7, San Diego, CA 92123
- 910 Grand Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109
- 8935 Towne Centre Dr., Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92122
- 9254 Scranton Rd, Ste 105, San Diego, CA 92121
- 2260 Callagan Hwy Bldg. 3187, San Diego, CA 92136
- 7835 Highlands Village Pl Suite D101, San Diego, CA 92129
- 1711 University Drive, Suite 110. Vista, CA 92083
- 9500 Gillman Drive, Food Ct, La Jolla, CA 92093
- 1158 W San Marcos Blvd Suite A, San Marcos, CA 92078
- 437 Hwy 101 #117, Solana Beach, CA 92075
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