Hawaiian Chain Nabs Dormant Top of the Cove Space

Since La Jolla's legendary Top of the Cove shuttered eight years ago, locals have been speculating and wish-listing for its replacement. In recent times, the building was expanded and modernized to attract a new tenant; though Eater readers have been telling us they were hoping for an upscale steakhouse, it looks like Duke's, a family-friendly seafood and steak chain, first founded in Hawaii, has scored the space in a deal facilitated by Urban Strategies' Michael Burton. San Diego Mag says they're shooting for a Fall 2015 opening.

Named after a famed Hawaiian sportsman, Duke's has multiple locations in Hawaii and SoCal; its parent company also runs Jake's Del Mar. Known for their waterfront views and tourist appeal, the restaurants have a menu that ranges from crab and cream cheese won tons to sashimi, fish tacos and steak, available surf and turf style with a side of coconut shrimp.

The bi-level restaurant will reportedly incorporate a more casual bar; Duke's calls it the Barefoot Bar, which serves an abbreviated menu of starters and sandwiches and cocktails including Hawaiian spins on martinis, margaritas and mules.
· Duke's Restaurants [Official Site]
· All Expansionwire Coverage [~ESD~]