Business owner Bill McHugh sees long-term success in new development

Por David Schwab | Reportero SDUN

Heights Tavern, the latest edition to the Normal Heights pub scene, is certainly aptly named, said Bill McHugh, owner of the recently opened bar and restaurant at 3377 Adams Ave. Dubbed “the Heights,” the restaurateur’s latest venture will host a grand opening celebration Thursday, March 21.

McHugh said he is bringing something different to the local bar scene, something he thinks it did not previously have.

“I noticed this was one of the communities in San Diego that hadn’t been developed with a space like this,” he said. “A lot of the bars here were either drinking bars, or they were food establishments. There wasn’t one that really crossed over.”

The sports-themed tavern may serve to be that missing hybrid: the perfect blend of pub and eatery.

McHugh, no stranger to the San Diego restaurant scene, previously owned Jose’s Courtroom, which overlooks the La Jolla Cove and is known for its circular, wrap-around bar. He opened The Regal Bar in La Mesa in 2009.

Chef Matt Gordon from Urban Solace created Heights’ menu, which McHugh said offers one of “the best burgers in San Diego.” Food is served late at the new restaurant-bar.

Promotional materials refer to Heights’ atmosphere as “relaxed and unpretentious built on the foundation of the community.” Featuring a full liquor bar and 40 beers on tap, as well as 26 TVs, the Heights delivers on its sports theme.

McHugh said his new establishment is a fun, family friendly atmosphere by day, which will heat up for nightlife in the evenings with resident DJ Scott Martin.

“The neighborhood was in need of something like this,” McHugh said. “I made it happen.”

McHugh cut his teeth in the local nightclub scene working as a DJ with Z90.3 radio. After that, he became entertainment coordinator for Black Angus restaurants. From 2000 to 2008, he operated a successful mortgage company.

But sensing a change in the wind, he said he decided to get his feet wet in the restaurant business with Jose’s Courtroom, which led him to the new venture in Normal Heights.

“In 2011, I started work on this project,” McHugh said. “I sold my shares in my two other businesses to have the money to take on this project.”

Heights Tavern now occupies the space formerly inhabited by three retail establishments, covering approximately 3,800 square feet.

Acquiring a lease for the building housing all three retail properties was McHugh’s first challenge in making the Heights a reality.

“The first hurdle was getting enough face time with the landlord,” he said, adding that the retail spaces had already been leased. Ultimately, McHugh was successful in making a pitch for his new restaurant-bar being the best long-term option for that location.

Heights Tavern recently held a soft opening and employs a staff of 52, including a dozen kitchen staff, over 15 food servers and 10 bartenders. The March 21 Grand Opening, will feature a special guest DJ.

“Opening our location in the heart of Normal Heights has been a great honor, and we want to invite all of our neighbors and friends to help us break in the new spot,” organizers for the event said. “To give you a taste of the great times to come, we will be serving up our refreshing drinks and tasty eats with specials all night long.”

For more information call 619-501-3455 or visit heightstavern.com.