Campus Burgers, a California-based fast casual restaurant known for its affordable smash burgers, is getting ready to open its first San Diego location in Pacific Beach at 978 Garnet Avenue.
The company’s first San Diego location will move into the former home of The Food Box. While an exact opening date has yet to be announced, franchise owner Greg Nazloo tells What Now San Diego that work is underway to bring the concept to Pacific Beach by Labor Day Weekend. Nazloo tells WhatNow they will give away 1,000 free burgers and fries at the grand opening celebration. Customers can expect made-to-order smash burgers, fresh-cut fries, shakes, and a casual atmosphere centered around quality food and service.
Nazloo says he decided to franchise with Campus Burgers because he saw the opportunity to build something larger than a single restaurant. He was drawn to the brand’s combination of high-quality smash burgers, an atmosphere that appeals to college students, residents, and visitors, and its potential for long-term growth. He says his favorite part of the concept is that it focuses on more than the food, creating an experience that encourages customers to return with friends and family. According to Nazloo, every part of the brand, from its identity to the customer experience, is designed to be memorable.
Campus Burgers was founded in Northern California and opened its first location in Downtown San Jose in 2024. Since then, the company has expanded to additional restaurants in San Jose, Berkeley, and Gilroy while signing franchise agreements for several more locations throughout California and Arizona. The Pacific Beach restaurant marks the company’s first location in San Diego and its Southern California debut. A second San Diego location is also planned for Rolando Village under separate franchise ownership.
Nazloo says Pacific Beach stood out because of its mix of locals, college students, surfers, and tourists, adding that the neighborhood’s energy is a natural fit for the Campus Burgers brand. He believes the restaurant will become a convenient place for customers to stop after the beach, before a night out, or whenever they are looking for a smash burger. The menu features hamburgers, cheeseburgers, double burgers, specialty options like the Double Jalapeño Smash, hand-cut fries, Campus Fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, shakes, soft drinks, catering, takeout, and delivery.
“Our vision goes beyond opening a single restaurant. We want Campus Burgers to become the staple smash burger destination for all San Diegans, a place people immediately think of when they’re craving an incredible smash burger. We’re committed to serving high-quality food, creating an unforgettable experience, and becoming a lasting part of the communities we serve. This is just the start, and we’re excited to grow throughout San Diego and Southern California one neighborhood at a time.”
Nazloo also tells What Now San Diego that Pacific Beach is only the beginning. His goal is to open multiple Campus Burgers locations throughout San Diego and eventually across Southern California, with the Garnet Avenue restaurant serving as the foundation for the brand’s future growth in the region.
