In a seamless changing of the guard, San Diego's treasured Fish Market Restaurants, Inc. will have a new captain as Brigantine, Inc., a fixture in the local dining scene, takes over its North Harbor Drive location. Following consent from the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners, the Morton family, who have steered Brigantine's ship since 1969, are set to add the waterfront Fish Market to their fleet of 20 establishments. While the Fish Market will retain its moniker, the Morton family is expected to import their taste for transformation to the prime spot in San Diego Bay. However, the venue in Solana Beach won't be part of this lease sale agreement.

Danielle Moore, Chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners, conveyed her enthusiasm for the transition. "The Brigantine is a trusted partner that has done an excellent job of transforming Port restaurant properties into incredible dining destinations for locals and visitors alike," Moore stated. According to a press release from the Port of San Diego, she added, "As they assume operations for The Fish Market restaurant at its premier location on our waterfront, we look forward to the Morton family bringing their expertise to a longtime favorite dining establishment on San Diego Bay and we thank The Fish Market for its decades of success."

The sentiment was echoed by Tom Wilson, director of The Fish Market Restaurants, Inc., saying, as per the Port of San Diego, "The Fish Market Family is proud of our 40-year history of serving generations of San Diegans," he said in the aforementioned release. "We could not be more pleased to have the Morton Family continue that tradition." The legacy of the Fish Market is set to continue under the auspices of Brigantine, which, apart from its new acquisition, also operates several other restaurants under the Port's jurisdiction.

This is not the first time Brigantine, Inc. has expanded its horizons, with a track record of developing successful dining spots frequented by locals and travelers alike. "Like the Brigantine Restaurants, The Fish Market is a strong family-owned brand, and we’re excited to carry on the legacy of what the Duckett and Wilson families have built," said Mike Morton, Jr., president and CEO of The Brigantine Restaurants in the Port of San Diego's press release.