Serafino, a forthcoming all-day cafe and wine bar, is getting ready to open in San Diego’s Mission Hills neighborhood at 301 W. Washington Street.
The company’s new location is currently undergoing a full renovation that will combine two adjacent storefronts into a single 3,100-square-foot space, according to a press release. Serafino is slated to open in Fall 2026 and marks a reunion for a founding team that first worked together 14 years ago before pursuing separate careers across hospitality, wine, culinary leadership, and community services. Co-founders David Cross and Rebeca Cross are leading the project alongside General Manager Amanda Sarich.
At the center of the concept is a hospitality model shaped by David Cross’s work as founder of Civitas Living and Rebeca Cross’s background as a high school special education educator. Civitas Living supports adults with developmental disabilities in independent living and employment opportunities throughout San Diego County. While Serafino will not operate as a nonprofit or training program, the business plans to build a diverse team made up of individuals of all abilities alongside experienced hospitality professionals. The ownership team says the goal is to create meaningful employment opportunities within a standards-driven hospitality environment.
Serafino has also partnered with San Diego-based Hollander Design Group for the project’s architectural planning and interior development, according to the release. The space is being designed with accessibility integrated directly into the layout, circulation, and overall customer experience from the beginning of the process. The property sits along the main corridor connecting Mission Hills and Hillcrest, giving the business access to both residential traffic and nearby commercial activity. This will be an excellent landing space for the concept, considering the area’s walkability and strong daytime traffic.
The beverage program is being led by Amanda Sarich, a San Diego native and Mission Hills resident with experience in wine-focused hospitality. Sarich’s long-standing relationships within California’s wine community are expected to shape both the wine list and a forthcoming wine club program currently in development. Additional culinary details and programming announcements are expected closer to opening.
“Inclusion and excellence aren’t competing ideals,” says co-founder David Cross. “In our experience, they depend on each other. The individuals we work with every day are capable of extraordinary things when they’re held to real standards. This isn’t about lowering expectations. It’s about creating access to meet them.”
