True Food Kitchen Founder Opening Two New Spots in Fashion Valley

The founder of True Food Kitchen has a signed a lease to bring two more restaurants to Simon’s Fashion Valley Mall where True Food Kitchen debuted in 2012. Another outpost of the seasonal, health-minded eatery opened last fall in Westfield UTC.

Later this year, Fox Restaurant Concepts will be launching branches of its North Italia and Blanco Tacos + Tequila concepts in the mall. Started by Sam Fox, the hospitality group runs 14 distinct brands of eateries across the county, including the fast-casual Flower Child which landed in Del Mar in 2016.

North Italia, which has locations across six states, features a menu of traditional Italian cuisine ranging from antipasti and salads to pizza and handmade pasta that are both also available gluten-free. Entrees include grilled branzino, red wine-braised short ribs and diver scallops with parmesan risotto, roasted butternut squash, brussels, crispy shallot and pancetta. It will be located next to the north side of Bloomingdale’s, near True Food Kitchen.

Courtesy photo

With existing locations in Arizona, this will be the first California venture for Mexican eatery Blanco, which offers a large program of sipping tequilas as well as tequila-based drinks and a menu that includes everything from grilled avocado tacos to crab and shrimp ceviche and warm queso along with burritos, bowls, enchiladas and more. It will slot into the former California Pizza Kitchen space near the AMC Theater.

Calling San Diego a “second home”, Fox says he’s looking forward to being able to offer additional job opportunities to the local community; together, the two restaurants represent approximately 250 new staff positions in San Diego.