The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved the transfer of a lease from Fish Market Restaurants, Inc., to Brigantine, Inc., marking a new chapter for the beloved seafood restaurant along the San Diego Bay waterfront. The decision allows the locally owned Brigantine group to assume operations at The Fish Market’s prime waterfront location on North Harbor Drive, ensuring the restaurant’s longstanding presence remains intact under new ownership.
The agreement comes as Fish Market Restaurants, Inc. negotiates the sale of its brand, which includes two locations — one on San Diego Bay and another in Solana Beach. While ownership is shifting, Brigantine has expressed its commitment to maintaining The Fish Market’s identity, ensuring that customers will continue to enjoy the same seafood dining experience that’s made the restaurant a staple in San Diego’s culinary scene for over four decades.
Port of San Diego Board Chair Danielle Moore praised the transition, emphasizing Brigantine’s strong reputation for revitalizing waterfront dining experiences. “The Brigantine is a trusted partner that has done an excellent job of transforming Port restaurant properties into incredible dining destinations for locals and visitors alike,” Moore stated. “As they assume operations for The Fish Market restaurant at its premier location on our waterfront, we look forward to the Morton family bringing their expertise to a longtime favorite dining establishment on San Diego Bay, and we thank The Fish Market for its decades of success.”
The Fish Market’s leadership echoed similar sentiments, expressing confidence that the restaurant’s legacy will continue under Brigantine’s stewardship. Tom Wilson, director of The Fish Market Restaurants, Inc., reflected on the company’s history and the transition, stating, “The Fish Market family is proud of our 40-year history of serving generations of San Diegans. We could not be more pleased to have the Morton family continue that tradition.”
For Brigantine, the acquisition aligns with its longstanding dedication to family-owned hospitality in San Diego. Mike Morton, Jr., president and CEO of The Brigantine Restaurants, highlighted the shared values between the two restaurant groups. “Like the Brigantine Restaurants, The Fish Market is a strong family-owned brand, and we’re excited to carry on the legacy of what the Duckett and Wilson families have built.”
Founded in 1969, Brigantine, Inc., has established itself as a key player in San Diego County’s restaurant industry, currently operating 20 dining establishments, including several within the Port of San Diego’s jurisdiction. With the addition of The Fish Market, Brigantine aims to build on the restaurant’s success while continuing to serve both locals and visitors at one of the city’s most iconic waterfront locations.
