{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreie45ybgh6xontzi7fgaens6uxmxpwezxvmc73eqtd2kxp3dor7d2u",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:c2mw52wnmpyhd7v7jfbjg7fc/app.bsky.feed.post/3migud4ahxkh2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreibxu7gdiseco63574vuk7ox624m2dbo4jglxqpa3nhqy2qdbz4muy"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 171747
  },
  "path": "/2026/04/historic-chop-suey-space-in-san-diegos.html",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-01T11:24:00.000Z",
  "site": "http://www.sandiegoville.com",
  "tags": [
    "closing in 2019",
    "@chopsuey_lounge on Instagram"
  ],
  "textContent": "A nearly century-old restaurant space in San Diego’s North Park is preparing for a highly anticipated return, as the historic home of the former Chop Suey Peking Café is undergoing a $2 million renovation to reopen as a new dual-concept venue blending dining, cocktails, and late-night culture.\n\nAfter closing in 2019 following nearly 90 years in operation, the iconic University Avenue property that once housed Pekin Cafe Chop Suey is undergoing a major transformation. A newly released press announcement confirms the site is being redeveloped into Chop Suey Lounge & Ginger Roots, a modern hospitality concept aiming to honor the building’s legacy while introducing a contemporary, experience-driven format.\n\nOriginally opened in 1931 by Chinese immigrant Leo Fong, the Chop Suey restaurant became one of San Diego’s longest-running eateries and a cornerstone of North Park’s dining history. Over the decades, it evolved into more than just a restaurant, serving as a gathering place for generations of locals, musicians, and late-night regulars.\n\nThe new project represents a significant investment in preserving that legacy. According to project materials, the property is undergoing an approximately $2 million restoration, with efforts focused on maintaining the historically designated exterior while completely redesigning the interior into a modern, multi-use hospitality space.\n\nThe upcoming venue will feature two distinct but interconnected concepts. Chop Suey Lounge is positioned as a cocktail-forward, social environment inspired by mid-century lounge culture, offering craft cocktails, premium spirits, and a menu of elevated Chinese-American bar fare. The space is designed to function as a lively neighborhood hub, complete with live jazz, DJs, and rotating entertainment throughout the week.\n\nBehind the lounge, Ginger Roots will operate as a more intimate, reservation-only experience centered around an eight-seat chef’s table and private dining room. The concept is expected to lean into Asian-fusion cuisine with a more curated, high-end tasting format aimed at delivering a refined, immersive dining experience.\n\nThe project is led by partners Jacquelyn Kelly and Jason Bess. Kelly brings extensive hospitality experience, including nearly a decade in leadership roles with San Diego's Consortium Holdings/CH Projects hospitality group, while Bess contributes infrastructure and development expertise. Together, the team has emphasized a vision of balancing neighborhood authenticity with long-term sustainability for the historic property.\n\nBeyond the physical transformation, the concept reflects a broader industry trend of reexamining Chinese-American cuisine and its cultural significance. The team behind Chop Suey Lounge & Ginger Roots positions the project as part of a growing movement to elevate and reinterpret dishes that have long been staples of American dining culture but often underappreciated in fine dining contexts.\n\nThe venue also aims to fill a specific niche within North Park’s evolving food and nightlife scene. Unlike traditional sit-down Chinese restaurants or fast-casual takeout operations, the concept is designed as a hybrid “third space”, bridging dinner, drinks, and late-night social energy in a single destination, with an emphasis on atmosphere and experience.\n\nChop Suey Lounge & Ginger Roots is currently targeting an opening in September 2026 at 2877 University Avenue in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood. For more information, follow @chopsuey_lounge on Instagram.\n\n**_Originally published on April 1, 2026._**",
  "title": "Historic Chop Suey Space In San Diego’s North Park Set For Revival As Dual-Concept Lounge & Dining Experience Following $2 Million Renovation",
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-01T11:24:56.871Z"
}