Chef Steve Brown seems to have a new recipe for success after a string of culinary misadventures, announcing the return of his Swagyu brand with multiple projects cooking up in San Diego. The seasoned chef is scheduled to open the Butcher Shop by Swagyu Cattle Co. by the end of March in Little Italy, taking over the spot once filled by Blue Box Butcher at the junction of Hawthorne and India Streets. This new venture promises to serve up a variety of meats from Swagyu Wildlife Ranch in Ramona, including American wagyu and both grass-fed and grain-fed Angus beef, reported SanDiego.Eater.com.
The ranch, spreading across 50 acres, also raises Berkshire pork, pasture-raised chicken, and eggs, which will feature prominently in the butcher shop's offerings. In a mix of casual and high-end, Brown plans to reintroduce Study Hall on the new location's patio—a wagyu education and tasting menu experience. Tasting menu dinners are also on the table at the Ramona ranch, allowing guests a closer look at the source of their food while enjoying a stay in mini cabins located on the property, according to SanDiego.Eater.com.
The culinary reboot doesn’t stop there. Swagyu Burger, under Brown's banner, is poised to launch a new outpost at the Westfield UTC food court in early April, with more to follow on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach and its original site in Imperial Beach later this summer. Additional branches are slated for North County, Los Angeles, Arizona, and Las Vegas, signaling a robust expansion for the brand, as per information obtained from SanDiego.Eater.com.
However, the road to this latest undertaking was far from smooth. Brown has weathered a storm of setbacks, including failed restaurant ventures and legal troubles. A breach of contract claim was filed recently against his parent company over a lease in Oceanside, and several small claims suits have surfaced. Brown's tendency for projects that fall through is not new; numerous announced eateries in San Diego have failed to materialize, SanDiegoVille.com summarizes.
Despite these obstacles, Brown's resolve appears unwavering, and his ambition is clearly reflected in the forthcoming Little Italy Butcher Shop by Swagyu Cattle Co. With local food enthusiasts and wagyu aficionados waiting eagerly, only time will tell if Brown's latest endeavor delivers on its promise. The burger website lists locations 'coming soon' to several areas including Barrio Food Hub and Los Angeles, creating anticipation for a brand resurgence.
