StreetCar Merchants Cruising Into Gaslamp With Fried Chicken, Doughnuts & Cocktails

StreetCar Merchants of Fried Chicken, Doughnuts & Coffee is in the midst of a significant growth spurt. At the close of 2016, owners Ron Suel and RaVae Smith brought a “luxe” version of the fried chicken and doughnut-centric eatery (first founded in North Park) to the heart of downtown La Jolla, where they serve a full-service, expanded menu that includes traditional Southern favorites and brunch-y comfort foods.

Next, they’re taking their chicken and doughnuts to the Gaslamp, where StreetCar will take over a space at 751 4th Avenue across from Westfield Horton Plaza that was home to a Chinese eatery for a few short months last year. Expect this third spot to open by late spring/early summer and revolve around the core menu with some variations and features that will be specific to this location; Suel has shared that he has several iterations of the concept in the works and this downtown San Diego version, dubbed “StreetCar URBN”, will offer casual counter service during the day and full service at night. Suel tells Eater that quick lunches, including soul food wraps, might be offered while the evening menu could include catfish and grits and other Southern favorites. There will also be cocktails, with a focus on New Orleans classics such as the sazerac, brandy milk punch and hurricanes.