Construction has begun on Rare Society in Solana Beach, a “retro steakhouse” concept by Trust Restaurant Group (TRG) that originated in University Heights, according to a press release this week. TRG currently owns and operates four eateries, a neighborhood butcher shop, and a storefront ice cream shop.
The second Rare Society, located at 330 South Cedros Avenue in the heart of the Cedros Design District, is TRG’s first restaurant in coastal North County. It’s set to debut in spring 2021.
“Rare Society Solana Beach will be an eclectic and mature counterpart to the original restaurant,” Brad Wise, executive chef and owner, said in the release. “We’re taking the playful design features found in the original eatery and refining them to align with the design-centric aesthetic of Cedros Avenue. The menu will also feature a more elevated take on retro-steakhouse fare with an emphasis on premium quality steaks and chops, seafood, sides, and beverages.”
GTC Design, headquartered in downtown San Diego, has been tapped as the project architect and interior designer. This is the third collaboration between the companies.
GTC conceived TRG’s Fort Oak and Cardellino restaurants in Mission Hills and the original Rare Society. Second Sight Design, another frequent creative collaborator with TRG, is developing the branding and signage.
“Nestled in the arts district of Solana Beach within a modern, architecturally significant structure, the creative direction for the steakhouse is built off the regional context and the original concept,” according to the release. “Evolving Rare Society’s vintage Las Vegas motif, the design draws inspiration from the timeless marquees of the burlesque era.” The restaurant will occupy 3,200 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining space.
