Better Buzz Coffee Company, a San Diego-based coffee chain known for its espresso drinks and café concept, appears to be planning a new location in San Marcos at 201 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road.
The proposed location is expected to take over the current KFC space, according to filings submitted to the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality. An exact closure timeline for the restaurant has not been confirmed. Customers can expect a full café menu featuring espresso beverages, cold brew, teas, and food items such as breakfast sandwiches and baked goods.
The San Marcos project continues the steady expansion of Better Buzz Coffee Company across San Diego County. The brand has been actively growing in both drive-thru and café formats, with locations spanning coastal communities, inland suburbs, and North County cities. This includes existing cafés in Encinitas, Del Mar, Escondido, La Mesa, and Carlsbad.
In addition to San Marcos, the company is also moving forward with a new location in Santee at 8890 Cuyamaca Street, which WhatNow reported on late last year. That site is currently under development, with hiring underway and an expected opening timeline around July 2026. Together, these projects reflect continued investment in expanding the brand’s presence across the region.
Better Buzz Coffee Company was founded with a focus on consistent quality coffee and fast, friendly service in a casual café setting. The company roasts and delivers coffee weekly to its locations and is certified by CCOF as an organic coffee roaster. It also sources beans through Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance-certified partners.
The menu includes a range of espresso-based drinks, specialty lattes, and cold-brew options, along with light food offerings such as toast, sandwiches, and pastries. The San Marcos location will follow the same model seen across its other cafés, offering a quick-service format with dine-in and grab-and-go options. This will be an additional landing space for the brand as it continues to expand throughout North County.
