Fusing together food and community to create a vibrant gathering spot for South Bay residents, Market on 8th Street, a 9,000-sq.ft. hub of local restaurants and businesses, will open its doors come late March or early April.
Co-founder Joel Tubao, who owns other National City properties and co-founded NOVO Brazil Brewing, said his family has lived in National City for more than 50 years and he hopes Market on 8th will create an increased sense of pride among National City residents.
“You need a sense of pride from the community you live in, you need to be able to respect the neighborhoods where you’re from,” Tubao said.
In addition to a third NOVO Brazil Brewing Co. location, Market on 8th will feature a beer garden and restaurants including Tatsuya Ramen, Pacific Poke, Smitty’s Taste of the Bayou, La Central Urban Grill, Moe Coffee, Pacific Poke, Ping Yang, Serbesa, The Fresh Yard, Wicked Maine Lobster and Yeti Dessert Cafe.
Tubao said that many of the restaurants finding a home at Market on 8th Street are first-time owners of a permanent space — previously operating as pop-up restaurants or food trucks, which provides an especially unique eating experience to South Bay residents without them having to drive to other parts of San Diego.
He added that the restaurants don’t contradict each other — they exist in harmony, each offering something different.
“I think people need a place to go, so we’re hoping that this will be a stepping stone for the rest of what’s to come for the rest of downtown National City,” Tubao said.
National City native and chef Phillip Esteban is preparing to introduce Wordsmith to the world — a bookstore at Market on 8th Street that will retail cookbooks, culinary-related reads and home goods ranging from aprons to ceramics.
At Wordsmith, he plans to feature local art and start a cookbook club where community members can try out new recipes together.
“We exist to peel back the industry, bridge the gap between the commercial kitchen and push forward the narrative of how connected we are through the diversity of food culture and the people who are dedicated to the craft of food and beverage service,” the Wordsmith Instagram page reads.
Esteban said Wordsmith aims to demonstrate how hospitality is more than just a collection of services — it’s a lifestyle that is deeply invested in creating both a sense of belonging and a sense of community, a sentiment that aligns with Tubao’s vision for Market on 8th Street.
Though hours have not been finalized yet, Esteban said Market on 8th Street will be open from around 11 a.m to 6 p.m.
Tubao said there are still some stalls available for food tenants at Market on 8th. For more information, visit www.marketon8th.com.
