Miller’s Field in Pacific Beach, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary in March while revamping its menu, is closing.
In place of the quintessential sports bar, which billed itself as “American fare with San Diego beach flair,” will be Breakfast Republic, a fast-growing chain owned by Now, Rise and Shine Restaurant Group, founded by Johan Engman.
Pacific Beach will be joining the list of existing Breakfast Republics in North Park, Liberty Station, Encinitas, East Village, and Ocean Beach.
“We don’t have a set timeline yet,” said Engman, of his plans for reopening the new eatery on Mission Boulevard, a block from the ocean.
Characterizing itself as an “innovative breakfast destination,” Breakfast Republic serves American classics like Oreo pancakes, shrimp and grits and S’mores French toast.
Breakfast Republic also raises the bar in terms of its rotating list of 20 beers on tap, which are available as samplers to complement many of its unique dishes.
Born and raised in northern Sweden until he age 16, Engman first came to the United States with his mother, planning only to stay for one year. It became their permanent home.
Engman entered the restaurant industry after high school as a dishwasher in a small Italian restaurant. He moved on to bussing tables at a local hotel before working as a server at a number of local restaurants. He made it his goal to open a restaurant of his own, nurturing his desire to offer a homestyle, friendly breakfast option for local diners. He conceptualized the original Fig Tree Café in Pacific Beach, turning his dream into a reality in October 2008.
Six months ago, Miller’s Field general manager John Wantz, in announcing the restaurant’s redo of its menu, noted it was “sleeker,” emphasizing quality over quantity. Renowned for its burgers and buffalo wings, Wantz said the establishment then decided to go in a different direction stressing healthier options over sports-bar food on big plates.
Owner Glen Miller founded the establishment back in 1989 as Pizzeria Uno. In 2007, it transitioned into Miller’s Field with a massive renovation. State-of-the-art TVs and a sound system were put in, allowing patrons to watch different games in different areas.
The decade-old sports bar was known as the home base for Kentucky, Penn State and West Virginia fans.