Rosemarie’s Burgers in Mission Beach has expanded to Ocean Beach replacing Whomp Burger & Brew.
The new eatery at 1774 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., named Rosemarie’s Buns & Brews, is run by managing partner Nick Balsamo. It is his second location and officially opened in OB on Sept. 23. His other site is at 3852 Mission Blvd. His business started with a food truck before he secured a brick-and-mortar spot in Mission Beach.
Both Rosemarie’s are chef-owned and operated businesses. What is the significance of that? “It’s like buying a car from the person who designed and built it,” answered Balsamo.
He added: “The kitchen is the engine of the restaurant; it drives the success of the business. Hiring, food production, cost and control, menu evolution, customer service, and hiring practices – just some of the many factors that play a vital role in the longevity of a restaurant.”
Rosemarie’s is more than just a restaurant. Part of his family’s tradition and passion, it is a tribute to Balsamo’s grandmother, Rosemarie, a tough Sicilian immigrant who was a pillar of strength and inspiration. Balsamo’s culinary journey began at home, with family dinners that celebrated scratch-made Sicilian recipes.
“Rosemarie’s is a grassroots effort that is deeply personal for me,” he said. “It represents a perilous journey as a chef to survive and afford to cook for a living. But it is a tribute to my grandmother, Rosemarie. She and my mother inspired me in the kitchen, and before she passed, encouraged me to pursue my passion. I started in tents outside of breweries without food programs, then progressed to food trucks, and now have two brick-and-mortar stores.
“We believe in creating patrons and regulars who feel like family,” noted Balsamo of his business model. “Ocean Beach has given us so much, and we’re committed to giving back. This new location will continue fostering a welcoming environment where everyone feels at home, whether through dinners reminiscent of family gatherings or by supporting local events and partnerships.”
A commitment to community and inclusivity is the backbone of Rosemarie’s. Balsamo added that he has a soft spot in his heart for OB, which he noted “taught me everything. It was my training wheels in San Diego. My wife and I started our journey here, and my son was born here. We want Rosemarie’s to be a staple in this community, offering great food and a loving atmosphere where everyone feels like family.”
After serving in the military and earning his bachelor of science degree at ASU, Balsamo realized his true passion was food. His journey took him to Asia, where he fell in love with diverse cuisines, further shaping his culinary perspective and inspiring what came to be Strada.
Before opening Rosemarie’s, the chef founded Festa Supper Club in Ocean Beach, a community-centered dining experience that brought people together over shared meals. When COVID-19 hit, he pivoted to launching Strada, a food truck concept inspired by his time in Asia, which quickly gained popularity.
These ventures paved the way for the first Rosemarie’s food truck location in Bay Park and its restaurant in Mission Beach. Culinary offerings with Rosemarie’s menu feature a blend of classic American cuisine with a twist. The menu showcases award-winning dishes that have already garnered significant acclaim.
In its first year, Rosemarie’s in Mission Beach was voted Best Burger in San Diego in 2024 by San Diego Magazine and earned a spot at No. 40 on Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants in the U.S. Signature items include The RosieMac, a perfected double-double with Wagyu patties, onion confit, American cheese, Kewpie mayo, and special sauce; Lil Munchies, marinated and deep fried chicken thigh, wildflower honey buffalo sauce, ranch drizzle, blue cheese crumbles, Kewpie mayo; and The Little Sal, featuring a Wagyu slider with onion confit, bacon whiskey sauce, jack cheese, baby arugula, and Kewpie mayo.
Balsamo envisions Rosemarie’s as a special, beach-oriented restaurant unique to California. “I don’t want to franchise,” he said. “I want a few Rosemarie’s in specific neighborhoods where they can truly belong.”
Beyond expanding Rosemarie’s, Balsamo plans to continue developing other concepts like Strada, which re-imagines fast food with an Asian fusion twist, and Festa, a catering company with a community-centered dining experience that brings people together over shared meals.
“Ocean Beach has supported us from the start, and we’re excited to continue this journey together,” said Balsamo noting both of his restaurants offer chef-inspired sliders, locally sourced craft beers, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
ROSEMARIE’S BUNS & BREWS
Where: 1774 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
Info: 619-228-9891.
Instagram: @RosemariesBurgers.
