On behalf of the Board of Directors, founder and families of the founders of The Fish Market Restaurants and Top of the Market, we are proud to announce an intended sale of our iconic brand and two key leased restaurant locations to The Brigantine Inc., a highly regarded, family-owned restaurant group currently operating 20 locations in Southern California.

The Fish Market was founded in 1976 by Fred Duckett, Robert Wilson, John Freis, and Dean Betts. The philosophy was and remains to serve the highest quality seafood with the guest as the number one priority. For nearly five decades, we have been a cherished destination for seafood lovers, with our commitment to uncompromised quality, community engagement, and dedication to a memorable dining experience. The transition to The Brigantine Group, another esteemed group of local restaurants with deep California roots, reflects our companies’ shared values and dedication to maintaining high standards of service and quality in the industry.

“The decision to sell The Fish Market was not made lightly,” said Thomas Wilson, Director of The Fish Market Restaurants Inc. “We are confident the Morton family, with their exceptional legacy and dedication to family-run hospitality, will honor and preserve the values that have been the heart of our brand. We look forward to seeing The Fish Market thrive under their stewardship.”

The Brigantine Group, which operates popular restaurant concepts Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar, Ketch Grill & Taps, Miguel’s Cocina, and Portside Pier, plans to maintain the tradition of excellence The Fish Market has established and ensure a seamless transition for customers and employees alike. “We are excited to bring The Fish Market and Top of the Market brands under our umbrella and to continue their legacy,” said Mike Morton Jr., President of The Brigantine Inc. “The Fish Market’s reputation aligns perfectly with our mission of delivering memorable dining experiences. We look forward to building on the foundation of excellence that The Fish Market team has established.”

As part of the acquisition, The Brigantine Inc. is negotiating to assume the leases of the two Fish Market locations, 640 Via de la Valle in Solana Beach and the flagship building on San Diego Bay at 750 N Harbor Dr. Assumption of the lease for the San Diego restaurant needs to be approved by the Board of Port Commissioners before the assignment sales can be completed. The current goal for ownership transition is the first quarter of 2025.

Read more about this announcement in The San Diego Union-Tribune, at Sandiegoville.com, and in San Diego Magazine.

As additional details regarding the sale are available, we will share them here. There will be no disruption to service through the holidays and early 2025. We look forward to celebrating our legacy and next chapter with you in our restaurants soon!

Make a reservation on the downtown San Diego Bayfront at The Fish Market or Top of the Market.

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