Hillcrest’s Fig Tree Cafe Turning Into Breakfast Republic

The ever-multiplying contingent of Breakfast Republic eateries, which now numbers nine locations across San Diego and Irvine, will add another member to its ranks in the heart of Hillcrest. Rise & Shine Group owner Johan Engman will be transforming the University Avenue branch of his Fig Tree Café into his newer concept; Engman, who founded Fig Tree Café in 2008, launched the first Breakfast Republic in 2015.

While the existing Fig Tree Café outposts in Pacific Beach and Liberty Station remain in operation, the Hillcrest location will shutter on Sunday, December 29 for a refresh of the space and is scheduled to reopen as Breakfast Republic in May 2020. May is also the estimated due date of the breakfast chain’s new spot in Los Angeles, which is landing on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollwood.

Rise & Shine Group’s other holdings in the morning eats market include a brunch-related spinoff called North Park Breakfast Company. A new downtown version called Gaslamp Breakfast Company is set to open on J Street as soon as next weekend.

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