Donna Jean, a seasonal, local restaurant in southern California that serves plant-based comforts, is getting ready to open a new location in North Park at 2611 El Cajon Blvd.
The company will be moving into the current home of The Village SD along with the company’s sister restaurant, Evolution, according to an announcement made on Instagram. Donna Jean and Evolution plan to move into the space in early 2025. The owners previously housed the concept in Bankers Hill at 2949 Fifth Avenue, but the building’s landlord notified the business owners a few months ago that they will be forced out of this location due to redevelopment, another high-rise in Bankers Hill.
“We have some big news to share with you,” according to the announcement. “We have been working tirelessly behind the scenes trying to find the best possible location for the next chapter of Donna Jean & to be completely transparent, it has NOT been easy. There are simply not a lot of open restaurant spaces available in San Diego, and even less that fit our needs. We are envisioning something spectacular with lots of space for both concepts to co-exist, but it’s going to be a lot of work to get us there. Financially, it is a huge hurdle for us as a small business with very tight margins on a month to month basis.”
Because moving to a new location on short notice can be costly, owner/ chef Roy Elam launched a fundraising event in Bankers Hills on December 16. The event will feature a five-course meal with wine pairing. The two-and-a-half-hour event will cost $200 per person but will both support the business’s next venture and give guests a taste of the delicious vegan food offered at this restaurant. Guests can also make donations on the restaurant’s Toast page.
“We are humbly asking for help from our incredible guests,” the announcement continues. “Please consider joining our fundraiser dinner next month to help us continue serving our San Diego community for years to come. If you are unable to attend the dinner, we have added a donation option on our Link in the bio. Swipe to “moving fundraiser” on our Toast ordering page.”
