LA Street Vendor Turned Instagram Sensation Opening in San Diego

An LA-based eatery popular for its indulgent comfort food is coming to San Diego, where it’ll land in Pacific Beach later this spring. Launched in 2016 by chef Craig Batiste and his wife out of their home kitchen in South Los Angeles, Mr. Fries Man quickly became one of the area’s most popular street food vendors thanks in large part to their Instagram fan base, now up to nearly 400,000 followers, which spurred the 2017 opening of permanent storefront in Gardena. After planting a couple more locations in the LA area, Mr. Fries Man began franchising last fall, and the eatery’s grand expansion plan includes cities like Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Houston, and New Orleans.

Specializing in loaded fries, with signature combinations or build-your own options from a long list of proteins, sauces, and add-ons that range from steak, crab, and chili to mango habanero, lemon garlic, and barbecue sauce. The incoming Pacific Beach outpost, opening at 4508 Cass St., is currently scheduled to arrive by May. Robert Lara, the company’s director of operations, tells Eater by email that there isn’t a set plan for how many locations they’ll eventually bring to San Diego, but they’re open to work with as many opportunities as possible.

• All Coming Attractions [ESD]