The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, a fast-casual dining experience offering authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, is set to open a new location in Oceanside at 1830 Rancho Del Oro Road, Suite 150.
The company’s third San Diego location is set to move into a shopping district near the SoCal Sports Complex and Frontwave Arena, according to a recent liquor license application. Franchise owner Sam Sawiris tells What Now San Diego that this location is expected to open in a couple of months, likely opening in Summer 2025. This is the only new location the company is working on in San Diego County at the moment. Other media outlets have mentioned that The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is working on a new location in Pacific Beach at 1380 Garnet Avenue. The company reached out directly to What Now San Diego to confirm that this report is false and that there is no location in progress in Pacific Beach.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is a rapidly expanding fast-casual restaurant chain known for its authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Founded in 2011 by culinary-trained restaurateurs Nick A. Della Penna and Trent Jones, the brand began with a single location in Henderson, Nevada. Their vision was to offer high-quality Mediterranean dishes in a fast-casual setting, combining traditional flavors with a modern dining experience. The brand’s success led to its first franchise in 2016 and a partnership with United Franchise Group in 2019, which accelerated its national growth.
This year, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill plans to open 40 new restaurants, both domestically and internationally, aiming to surpass 100 operational units by the end of the year, including a new location in Inglewood. New locations are planned for Louisiana, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, with continued expansion in Florida, California, and Texas. The brand’s expansion strategy includes traditional dine-in locations, as well as non-traditional formats such as to-go-only restaurants and digital kitchens in high-density metropolitan areas. These initiatives aim to provide convenient dining options and increase brand exposure.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill in Oceanside will offer a menu consistent with its other locations. Customers can expect items like the Great Greek Gyro, available with beef, lamb, or chicken, and the Classic Greek Salad, featuring feta and olives. The Falafel Plate includes six chickpea fritters with yogurt mint sauce. Entrees such as Grilled Chicken Souvlaki and the Gyro Plate come with rice pilaf or fries. Desserts include baklava, ice cream, and traditional rice pudding.
