Novecientos Grados by Tony Hawk, a vibrant new restaurant and bar concept, is preparing to become a centerpiece of San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 1 expansion, with an opening targeted for September 2025.
Developed by Areas USA in collaboration with skateboarding icon Tony Hawk and celebrity chef Claudette Zepeda, Novecientos Grados will occupy nearly 5,000 square feet in the terminal’s departures wing. The design, created by Santa Monica’s Akarstudios, draws inspiration from San Diego’s urban skateboard culture and the rich Mexican heritage of the city’s Old Town district. The space will feature a sculptural island bar with colorful skate ramp-like panels, a tarmac-facing dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows, and an inviting outdoor patio with skyline views.
Chef Claudette Zepeda, a James Beard Best Chef West semifinalist and “Top Chef” alum known for her work at Encinitas’ acclaimed Vaga restaurant, will lead the kitchen. Her Cali-Mex menu will spotlight small plates inspired by land and sea, including fish, pork, and beef, all prepared in an open kitchen visible to diners.
While the concept was initially announced as “900A Tony Hawk Public House,” recent updates and filings reveal it has evolved into Novecientos Grados by Tony Hawk, with a more explicit culinary focus and distinctive artistic branding. Recent liquor license applications and ongoing development confirm that the project is advancing steadily toward its late 2025 opening, coinciding with the completion of Terminal 1’s food and beverage spaces.
Novecientos Grados will join other highly anticipated venues operated by Areas USA at Terminal 1, including Luna Grill, Mr. Moto Pizza, Carnitas Snack Shack, and SIP Wine & Beer, as previously reported by What Now. The restaurant promises to offer travelers and locals a unique blend of San Diego’s skateboarding legacy and innovative Mexican cuisine in a visually striking setting.
