B’s Bodega, a New York City-style bodega and deli concept, is getting ready to open in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood at 4594 30th Street.
The new location is set to move into the former home of The Gluten Free Baking Company, first reported by SanDiegoVille. What Now previously reported that the site was planned to host Ophelia’s Raw Bar, a French-inspired oyster and champagne concept, but those plans have since been replaced by B’s Bodega. Chef Rob Brouillard, the culinary director for The Friendly group, is leading the project. This concept will serve as a new addition to the small family of restaurants in the group. Customers can expect a casual, no-modifications ordering style with a menu focused on straightforward deli offerings, including breakfast sandwiches, hot and cold deli sandwiches, coffee, beer, wine, and packaged snacks.
Brouillard tells What Now that the team is aiming for a September 2026 opening. B’s Bodega will take cues from traditional New York City bodegas, emphasizing efficiency and consistency in both food and service to keep the ordering process simple for customers. The name B’s Bodega serves as a tribute to Brandon Zanavich, who passed away in May 2025 at age 41. The concept honors his memory while establishing a new addition to the group’s portfolio, connecting the project to the people behind The Friendly.
The project brings together several members of The Friendly team. In addition to Brouillard, Derek Daniels is contributing to the menu, while Brandon James Keeper is involved in general management. The team also includes an original investor from The Friendly, reflecting the group’s collaborative approach to new projects.
The Friendly first opened in North Park in 2018 and has since expanded to multiple locations, including Kearny Mesa and an additional North Park site. B’s Bodega will build on the brand’s reputation for neighborhood-focused dining while introducing a new deli-style format for the area.
