Plans have been submitted to the city to transform Portofino Beach Inn and Captain Keno’s Restaurant on Highway 101 in Encinitas. The underutilized spaces have fallen into disrepair over the years but will see new life once renovated and redesigned for modern use.
The Coast News first reported that development company RAF Pacifica Group (RPG) have partnered with architectural firm SmithGroup to turn the sites into the Moonlight Mixed-Use Project. The properties will enter a new age with a mix of residential and commercial.
Highlighted within the project is the renovation of longtime establishment Captain Keno’s, which will remain a restaurant and bar. The sale of Captain Keno’s will allow Owner Gerry Sova to make plans for retirement and give new life to the restaurant. No word if Captain Keno’s will keep its name or rebrand entirely but RPG have purchased the rights to the name and its liquor license.
The project is in its first steps of review with the city of Encinitas. While further details are not readily available at this stage of planning, the site is expected to make a reintroduction to the community of Encinitas in 2025.