A new cafe is set to bring a fresh and relaxing vibe to the Ocean Beach community, as Daylight is getting ready to debut at 1404 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard.
Co-owned by childhood friends Justin Burr, Spencer Gordon, and Spencer’s wife Jenna, the new cafe aims to become a beloved neighborhood spot offering high-quality coffee, a curated selection of beer and wine, and a simple yet delicious menu to complement its beverages. Daylight is expected to open in early 2026 and will offer a laid-back atmosphere for locals and visitors to unwind, work, or connect with friends. Designed to serve as a welcoming hub for people of all ages, the cafe will have indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for anyone looking to grab a morning coffee, enjoy a sunset drink, or spend hours catching up with friends.
“Customers can expect a laid-back and approachable atmosphere that embodies the relaxed energy of the Sunset Cliffs/OB community,” Justin Burr tells What Now San Diego in an exclusive interview. “We aim to be a welcoming hub for people of all ages, whether they’re grabbing a morning coffee, enjoying a sunset drink after a day at the beach, or connecting with friends. We also plan to occasionally host events to foster community togetherness. It’ll be a seat-yourself, counter service cafe with plenty of space for indoor and outdoor seating. Whether you’re bringing your laptop for a few hours of solo work or an impromptu gathering of your friends, we’ll be able to accommodate it all. We intend to open early for the early risers who need a coffee to start their day and close by 9 pm so as to not disturb our neighbors.”
The founders of Daylight have a personal connection to the area, and it’s the perfect location to bring their vision to life. “We chose the Sunset Cliffs/Ocean Beach area because we want to be an integral part of this unique and vibrant neighborhood,” Burr tells What Now. “We all live in the area and have a personal connection to this beautiful place. We always dreamt of creating a cafe like this – a really simple and ideally located establishment to give you all you need whether you live in the area or are just visiting to hang at the beach. We believe there is a wonderful opportunity to create a space that locals and visitors alike will enjoy as part of their Sunset Cliffs experience. We feel as though this area specifically lacked a place to quickly get coffee and a bite to-go, as well as a place where you could spend hours catching up with friends or doing computer work.”
The Daylight owners are mindful of the community and are focused on building an ethical business model and cultivating a positive employee culture. “Our approach is focused on thoughtful community integration, building an ethical business model – from our menu to our employee culture, and creating a welcoming space for connection and creativity. We are working closely with experienced professionals in the industry and design to bring our vision to life. We value quiet enjoyment and will operate with the utmost respect for neighbors.”
As for the menu, Daylight plans to serve high-quality coffee and espresso drinks, complemented by a hand-picked selection of beer and wine. While the full menu is still in development, Burr hinted at exciting options, including to-go charcuterie boxes and freshly baked baguettes for bocadillo sandwiches. “We do, however, see ourselves as a coffee shop first, and eatery second,” Burr said. “We envision most patrons will utilize Daylight for coffee, whether that’s to-go, or enjoying onsite.”
