MARKET Restaurant + Bar, a fine dining restaurant known for seasonal, locally sourced cuisine, has officially transitioned to new ownership in Del Mar at 3702 Via De La Valle.
The restaurant’s next chapter will be led by Monica and Bernd Brust, longtime patrons who finalized the ownership transfer on September 1, according to a press release. The couple plans to uphold MARKET’s core identity while implementing thoughtful enhancements to the guest experience. An exact timeline for changes has not been announced, but the menu and team will remain intact under the direction of Chef de Cuisine John Thompson, who has been with the restaurant since it opened.
Founded in 2006 by Chef Carl Schroeder, a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist, MARKET quickly became one of Southern California’s most acclaimed dining destinations. The restaurant has been recognized by the Michelin Guide, Wine Spectator, and outlets including Bon Appétit, The New York Times, and San Diego Magazine. Schroeder and his wife, Brandi Schroeder, were instrumental in shaping both the kitchen and the culture of the restaurant over the past two decades.
Chef Thompson, who began working with Schroeder in 2002, will continue leading the kitchen alongside MARKET’s long-standing team. The restaurant will retain its current culinary direction, highlighting daily evolving dishes with fresh ingredients, complemented by its award-winning wine list and cocktail program.
The Brusts plan to gradually enhance the concept with expanded operating hours, a broader wine selection, and refreshed interiors, while preserving the atmosphere and approach that have defined MARKET. The couple describes their vision as one of stewardship, aimed at continuing the legacy rather than redefining it.
“We are honored to steward such a cherished restaurant,” Monica Brust said in a press release. “Our goal is to build on the strong foundation Carl and the team created and to deliver a warm, memorable experience for every guest during every visit.”
