Copper Kings Burgers, a San Diego based smash burger concept known for its coastal pop ups and San Marcos flagship, is getting ready to open a new location in Oceanside at 326 N Horne Street.
The company’s second brick-and-mortar restaurant is set to open in the former home of Northern Pine Brewing, according to an announcement. While an exact date has not been announced, the team is aiming for an early 2026 opening as they return to the community where the business first gained momentum. Guests can expect a menu centered on the brand’s signature house-ground beef blends, Japanese-style milk buns, and freshly made sauces and sides.
Copper Kings Burgers was founded by co-owners Jonathan Petr and Dermot Owens, who met while working in the San Diego bar scene and later launched the business after losing their jobs during the early stages of the pandemic. The concept began in 2020 with the pair preparing ingredients in a shared Oceanside commissary kitchen before serving at breweries and wineries across North County. Their early pop-up success helped build the following that later supported the opening of their first permanent restaurant in San Marcos.
The company’s growth continues with mobile kitchen trailers that travel throughout Southern California and occasionally beyond, including events in Las Vegas. Copper Kings Burgers has also maintained its presence along the coast through recurring pop-ups, which contributed to its continued visibility and connection to Oceanside. The new restaurant marks a significant expansion for the brand as it transitions from seasonal events and mobile operations to establishing another dedicated storefront.
Menu items at the upcoming Oceanside location are expected to follow the same approach used in San Marcos, highlighting house-made components, specialty smash burgers, seasonal produce, and signature sauces. The San Marcos restaurant also features beer and wine, televisions for sports viewing, and a family-friendly environment, setting a likely precedent for the Oceanside space. Copper Kings Burgers has emphasized a commitment to ingredient quality and consistency across all locations.
“NOW THAT THE SECRET IS FINALLY OUT… let’s talk about it, KINGS and QUEENS,” according to the announcement. “Opening a second location in Oceanside has always been a dream of ours since the beginning, something we pictured one day, but that day came sooner than we ever expected. And honestly, it feels like coming home. If you have been with us since the beginning, you know we started by popping up all along the coast in the parking lots of your favorite local breweries and bars. That is where we first fell in love with the people of Oceanside. Your energy, your support, and your loyalty are things we have never forgotten. So, to officially announce that Copper Kings Oceanside is opening in early 2026 is unreal. We cannot wait to be back on the coast in a permanent home. For those who have asked, our spot is right off N Horne Street in Oceanside. We seriously cannot wait to serve you all, old friends and new ones, on the coast. Oceanside, we are coming home.”
