The past few months have been a whirlwind of excitement for Nutmeg Bakery & Café, a family-owned breakfast and lunch spot at Regency’s Scripps Ranch Marketplace in San Diego, CA. Just weeks ago, the bakery and artisan café was featured on an episode of Food Network’s ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ — and business has been booming ever since.
Owned by Drew and Michka Hoffos, and Michka’s mother, Shirin Soroushian, the concept first opened its doors in Sabre Springs in 2012, with its Scripps Ranch location following in 2019. A product of Drew’s fine dining background paired with Michka’s entrepreneurial roots, the local, organic, and sustainable scratch kitchen makes everything in-house, from stuffed french toasts and an array of pastries, to an extensive sandwich and salad menu, and more.
After being anonymously nominated by its customers for a spot on the show, Nutmeg was hand-selected by host Guy Fieri, and within two and a half weeks, the café was shut down for three days of filming. Even before airing, the local news circulation led to lines being forming outside the door — and they haven't disappeared.
On the episode, Nutmeg’s featured dishes included its sweet 'Bananas Foster French Toast' with spiced rum-flambéd bananas, and the savory 'La Havana Sandwich' — a unique twist on the traditional Cuban sandwich made with carnitas, ham, two types of mustard, and aioli.
This whole experience has been absolutely incredible, and we’re so grateful for it,” said Drew Hoffos, Co-Owner. “We’re proud to be part of the neighborhood here, and our fellow business owners and neighbors at Scripps Ranch are awesome. The community response to this has only further solidified our place in the shopping center. We’re here to stay, and we look forward to what’s to come for both Nutmeg and Scripps Ranch.
On the night the episode aired, the Nutmeg staff hosted a watch party for its long-time regular customers and supporters — some who have been dedicated patrons throughout many years of dating, marriage, and kids.
Since airing, both locations have seen an incredible uptick in foot traffic, with folks traveling from all over the state of California to enjoy it for themselves.
A prime neighborhood center with strong visibility and convenient access in the highly affluent Scripps Ranch community, Scripps Ranch Marketplace is home to a star-studded merchant lineup including Vons, CVS, Luna Grill, Pressed Juicery, Starbucks, Rubios Coastal Grill, and more.
Learn more about the shopping center here, and contact ChrisSanchez@regencycenters.com for leasing opportunities.