The San Diego Rowing Club, a historic fixture along the waterfront, is set to undergo a significant transformation. If all leasing conditions are satisfied, the iconic boathouse, established in 1888, will soon reopen as The Rustic, a full-service restaurant and bar. The Port of San Diego’s Board of Port Commissioners approved an option-to-lease agreement for the property on March 15, 2024, located near the San Diego Convention Center and the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.
Danielle Moore, chair of the Port board, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “With its historic designation, this is one of the most distinctive restaurant properties on San Diego Bay. It’s important that we have the right partner — one that will both invest in the property and build on the success of The Rady Shell and the Convention Center.” Moore added that The Rustic will infuse new energy into the waterfront experience.
This venture is a collaboration with Free Range Holdings, the Texas-based company behind the Rustic brand, which operates several restaurants, including its flagship location in Houston. Before finalizing the lease, Free Range Holdings must meet various conditions, such as securing financing, obtaining necessary permits, and finalizing a construction contract.
Kyle Noonan, co-founder and co-CEO of Free Range Holdings, emphasized the commitment to local culture, saying, “We’re proud to bring The Rustic to San Diego in a way that celebrates the city’s creative heartbeat. We’re excited to partner with local purveyors and artists to create a space that feels authentically San Diego — built by the people who make this city so special.”
The Port of San Diego outlined that these conditions are essential to ensure “operational and construction readiness and alignment with project requirements” before the lease is executed. The agreement will last for 15 years, with two optional extensions of five years each.
Event Coordination with San Diego Symphony
In a strategic move, The Rustic has reached a scheduling agreement with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra to align events with performances at the Rady Shell. The restaurant will limit its ticketed events to 12 per calendar year, aiming to maintain a harmonious relationship with nearby programming.
Although construction timelines have not yet been established, the restaurant has up to 24 months to fulfill its preconditions before work commences. The historic boathouse, built in 1900, spans approximately 9,000 square feet and includes a wraparound patio, a boat dock, and 56 parking spaces.
For decades, this structure has served as a social hub for the city’s civic and business leaders, adapting over the years to meet the evolving needs of the waterfront. Notably, it has previously been home to the Chart House restaurant group and has witnessed enduring traditions, such as the New Year’s Day Plunge.
As the Port of San Diego continues to reimagine the downtown waterfront, the arrival of The Rustic promises to add a vibrant destination that harmonizes the city’s rich history with contemporary dining experiences. This initiative highlights a broader effort to enhance San Diego’s waterfront, offering residents and visitors alike a place where historic rowing traditions meet modern culinary innovation.
