Gourmet Market and Cafe Landing in La Jolla Shores

Shore Thing Cafe, which stands at the entryway to La Jolla Shores’ main thoroughfare, is under new ownership. Lisa M. Kennedy, a Shores resident with extensive experience in the hospitality industry, is now running the eatery and will rename it Cooper’s Market & Cafe after her beloved French bulldog. Fronting a building that also houses lifestyle store Everyday California and Galaxy Taco restaurant, Cooper’s will span 1,400-square-feet and include a large wrap-around outdoor patio.

Kennedy told Eater that she wants Cooper’s to be a gathering place for visitors and locals in the coastal community, providing needed food and drink options for the neighborhood including more grab and go food options and great coffee. The coffee program will feature acclaimed local roaster James Coffee Co., whose owner David is Kennedy’s brother. Future plans for the space also include a walk-up window for coffee service.

The first phase of enhancements, scheduled to be completed by Memorial Day weekend, ranges from new furniture to an updated design and layout. Serving a menu of both takeout and dine-in options, including cheese and charcuterie boards, small bites, toasted sandwiches, and more created in collaboration with chef consultant James Montejano (Seaside Market, La Valencia), the cafe will also have an adjacent market stocked with pantry items.

Kennedy says she plans on hosting a monthly farmers market on Cooper’s patio and has applied for a beer and wine license. A kick-off party, which is open to the public, is scheduled for May 15 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Hotel La Jolla.