Waypoint Public Expanding, Signs Rich Sweeney as Exec Chef

Established in North Park back in 2013 by ELE Collective's John Pani (Park & Rec) in partnership with Brian Jensen (Bottlecraft), the craft beer-centric Waypoint Public has become a family-friendly staple in the neighborhood. Eater has just learned that eatery intends to open several new locations in San Diego and is bringing in a new chef to revamp its flagship location and pave the way for expansion; the second Waypoint will likely be announced early next year.

Taking over as executive chef is Rich Sweeney, a familiar face from the local food scene with more than 10 years of culinary experience in San Diego; Sweeney was a competitor in the fifth season of Top Chef and ran his own restaurant R Gang Eatery, until it shuttered earlier this year. The chef has also consulted for and opened several area concepts, including the Gaslamp's Florent Restaurant & Lounge.

Sweeney told Eater that he plans to roll out a new menu in November around San Diego Beer Week, which will incorporate beer into "solid, crave-worthy dishes" and said, "I’m grateful to be a part of a restaurant that is at their peak and simultaneously primed for growth—we have an exciting journey ahead of us."