Necessity Coffee, an independent coffee shop from Encinitas, is preparing to open a new location in San Marcos at 250 North City Drive, Suite 1.
The new cafe will be part of North City, a mixed-use masterplanned neighborhood, according to documentation submitted to the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality. Owner Jon Runion tells What Now San Diego that this location is expected to open at the end of February 2026. Customers can expect the same high-quality beverages and community-focused environment in a larger, more visible space.
Necessity Coffee began in 2023 in a small alleyway location in Encinitas. The shop quickly gained attention for its carefully crafted espresso drinks, approachable atmosphere, and commitment to customer engagement. Last year, What Now reported that the cafe relocated its original Encinitas space to a larger 1,110-square-foot location on 2nd Street, signaling the brand’s first expansion outside Encinitas and reflecting plans to grow to more locations by 2030.
North City is a 200-acre urban development designed to create walkable streets, cultural amenities, and mixed-use living in Southern California. The area includes 1.35 million square feet of retail and office space, 2,600 homes, and 25 acres of parks and communal green space. Restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options already in the district include Buona Forchetta, Draft Republic, Copa Vida, and Maya’s Cookies, making the new Necessity Coffee location a complementary addition.
The San Marcos cafe will follow Necessity’s original concept of offering high-quality, locally roasted coffee, fresh pastries, and a welcoming environment for all customers.
