Bushfire Kitchen Opens Store in Rancho Bernardo, California

The elevated fast-casual group has opened its 11th location overall and third in San Diego County as it continues to expand its footprint in Southern California.

Read the original at QSR Magazine
Bushfire Kitchen Opens Store in Rancho Bernardo, California

TL;DR

Bushfire Kitchen has opened its 11th location in Rancho Bernardo, California, marking its third location in San Diego County. The brand continues to expand its footprint in Southern California with more locations planned for 2027.

Bushfire Kitchen, the elevated fast casual restaurant group serving scratch-made comfort food, has opened its latest outpost in Rancho Bernardo, a suburb north of San Diego. The opening marks the brand’s third location in San Diego County and its 11th unit overall.

To thank the Rancho Bernardo community for their support, Bushfire Kitchen is hosting a series of giveback days for local community heroes. The restaurant will offer buy one, get one free on bowls, burgers, sandwiches and salads* for teachers, first responders and healthcare workers from June 1st to 3rd.

Oliver Barwin, CEO said “Opening in Rancho Bernardo is incredibly special for us – it’s another chance to deepen Bushfire Kitchen’s roots right here in San Diego County, the place my father founded this business and where he raised our family. We built Bushfire Kitchen around the idea that great food and healthy living should go hand-in-hand, and we know that resonates with this community. It’s an honor to be part of the neighborhood and to serve the families and professionals who call Rancho Bernardo home.”

Located at 11962 Bernardo Plaza Drive, Suite #110 in the Vons-anchored Rancho Bernardo Town Center, the new location spans over 2,000 square feet, with a shaded patio and ample parking. Bushfire Kitchen specializes in American cuisine made from quality ingredients with a global twist. Its menu features a wide array of chef-crafted dishes including Thai Chicken Curry, Chimichurri Tri-Tip, Peri Peri Chicken and handmade empanadas.

The brand is known for its ‘something for everyone’ ethos, with plenty of gluten free, high protein and plant-based options. It offers catering for local businesses and special events, as well as a daily happy hour from 2-5pm with 50% off beer and wine.

The Rancho Bernardo opening brings Bushfire Kitchen’s portfolio to 11 restaurants, following a successful debut in Brea (Orange County) last November, and continues an exciting period of growth for the brand. Its Cypress and Northridge locations are slated to open later this year, with more locations in the pipeline for 2027.

In this story

This story was originally published by Ben Coley in QSR Magazine on May 13, 2026. Burnaze summarizes and links to the original reporting.

Read the full story at QSR Magazine

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