Lemon Grove Restaurant Roundup 2012

Making a go of it in the business of selling food is difficult. According to a study by Cornell University, more than one-quarter of all restaurants closed or changed ownership during their first year of operation.

It gets worse.By the end of their third year in business, nearly 60 percent had closed or changed ownership.

The study found little difference between independent and chain restaurant success rates. What they did find is that a restaurant needs a focus that drives all activities. Clarity of concept was the key—not just about the food, but an operating philosophy, which includes running the business as well as employee and customer relations. You need to keep your eye on the ball.

There is a restaurateur right here in town who is laser-focused on concept, and I am happy to report the expansion of his business. In the next week or so, Brad Cooper of will open a new dining area with seating for 75, tripling his current space.

Not bad for a restaurant that has been open only 16 months. This place is doing everything right. There has to be a reason that people from all over San Diego are coming to Lemon Grove to eat at Coop’s. Many (including me) are saying that this is the best barbecue in the county.

Lemon Grove lost a few restaurants recently. Carnitas Uruapan, on Broadway for over a dozen years, closed its doors in October. You can still visit their new, smaller location in La Mesa for a taste of the TJ landmark restaurant’s signature shredded pork.

One of Grove’s tastiest and healthiest restaurants also called it quits at the end of the year. The fun and reasonably priced Fruit Palace Express, on the western end of Broadway, is no more. They featured fresh fruits and vegetables, creating delicious juices, smoothies and salads based on traditional comida Mexicana recipes. It was depressing standing in front of the now empty storefront, noticing to my left the long line of cars at the Jack In The Box drive-through.

Sadly, we are what we eat—even when we choose poorly. The good news is that you can still have a similar Fruit Palace experience at , 7941 Broadway.

Submarina sandwich shop has also left town, and I could find no forwarding address. I’m not really shedding a tear for this loss. While I am sure they served a decent sub, who can compete in Lemonland with ? If you have not paid a visit, go. You will find out that 40 years of making mouth-watering made-to-order grinders is something to shake your peperoncini about.

The other closing in the Grove was Maggie’s Cakes and Ice Cream at 7963 Broadway. The old Baskins & Robbins 31 Flavors location is now empty, but not for long. A new resident is moving in, and ice cream is back in town. The Lemon Grove Ice Cream Parlor is scheduled to open its doors on or about Saturday, according to manager Rita De La Rosa. The nostalgia-themed parlor will feature Niederfrank’s Ice Cream, produced locally in National City.

De La Rosa and owner Erica Candelaria said they are trying to create a gathering place for the Grove. In addition to ice cream (including a Lemon Groovy sherbet), the shop will feature a morning coffee bar, fresh squeezed lemonade, tasty snacks, and comfortable seating. Sounds like a good vibe for the town. Look out, Starbucks.

Bon appetit.