Chef Drew Deckman is preparing to open Watershed in North Park. (deckmans.com)

Prior to Covid, every new year signaled a slew of upcoming eating and drinking establishments for the year ahead. Regardless of the economy, the industry was seemingly invincible. Then a four-year slump occurred, during which restaurant closures outnumbered openings because of lock downs and consumer wariness over the ongoing pandemic.

That trend has fortunately shifted as we embark on 2024. Dozens of newcomers are now joining the survivors throughout metro San Diego and beyond.

Below are several of them that particularly grabbed our interest.

Good Night John Boy

Making its West Coast debut this spring is Good Night John Boy, a ‘70s-theme chain conceived by Cleveland-based Forward Hospitality Group. The restaurant/bar has taken over the 12,000-square-foot space left vacant by Tin Roof in preparation of the project.

Vintage music from the era, along with a dance floor distinguished by neon and disco balls will not only evoke Saturday Night Fever vibes, but they will set the stage for “disco punch” and “Mood Ring” martinis. Nostalgic fare is part of the equation too. Think TV dinners, grilled cheese with tomato soup, and “Fleetwood Mac and cheese.”

The establishment beckons to the closing line heard in each episode of the ‘70s television series, The Waltons. As its rural-life family members tucked into their beds every evening, one of them would invariably say, “Good night John Boy,” which was directed to the show’s central character.

The club also has locations in Chicago, St. Petersburg, Florida, and Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. 401 G St., goodnightjb.com.

Lulu’s Jungle Room & Le Horse

For those who assumed that the July unveiling of five new eating and drinking venues inside The Lafayette Hotel marked the completion of its $31 million redo, there are still two more openings to come.

By early next month look for Lulu’s Jungle Room. The venue will take on a vintage supper-club atmosphere complete with a shell-shaped stage for live jazz performances. Lulu’s menu is still being finalized but we’re told it will offer a chef’s table and rum-focused drinks.

Then sometime in the middle of this year, Le Horse will deliver a finale of upscale European elegance. The restaurant aims to capture 20th-Century fine dining from some of Europe’s fanciest hotels that were pioneered by Swiss hotelier Cesar Ritz and acclaimed French chef Auguste Escoffier.

Starched table linens, roving cocktail carts, and prime rib cut tableside are the expected perks. 2223 El Cajon Blvd., 619-296-2101, www.lafayettehotelsd.com.

Watershed

The maestro of Baja cuisine, Drew Deckman, has set his sights on the shuttered Huxton Manor in North Park to open his first restaurant on American soil.

He’s given it the name Watershed, which promises a cornucopia of proteins and ingredients sourced from area fishermen, farmers, brewers and wineries. One of those farms is a private agricultural ranch in Ramona.

A wood-fired grill will serve as Deckman’s primary means of cooking while he stays intensely focused on sustainability and keeping the restaurant’s carbon footprint to a minimum.

Due to open in spring, the Michelin-star chef brings to the table his experience of operating Deckman’s en el Magor restaurant in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe wine region.

Watershed will feature three levels, plus two bars, a chef’s counter for about 10 guests, a general seating capacity for about 90 people, and a rooftop patio. 3131 University Ave.

Lala

Adding to the portfolio of family-run Busalacchi restaurants is Lala, which is expected to open in spring next door to sister restaurant, Barbusa.

The menu will feature classic scratch-made Italian cuisine matched by unconventional twists from Busalacchi’s executive chef, Nino Zizzo. In addition, Italian-influenced cocktails made with barrel-aged spirits will be in the offing. The bar program is headed by Antonio Gonzales, whose career spans notable fine-dining establishments such as Juniper & Ivy and Stake Chophouse + Bar.

Lala will flaunt an intimate vibe throughout its 1,000-square-foot space, which includes velvet and leather furnishings, wood paneling, and a covered garden patio. The restaurant marks a 40-year milestone in Busalacchi’s illustrious presence in San Diego. The company’s other restaurants that remain in operation are Cafe Zucchero and Nonna. Lala will be open nightly for dinner. 1919 India St., @BarLalaSD on Instagram.