Sugalab Sweets is setting up an immersive dessert experience in Ocean Beach. The self-proclaimed “badass bakery by the beach” is due to replace Wild Things Pizza as first reported by SanDiegoVille.
The spot is familiar to owners Hilary Rossi and Rachael Musico. Rossi tells What Now San Diego Musico is the pastry chef and creative mind behind Sugalab while she acts as the digital designer and hype woman. The team had previously operated Surf Rider Pizza in the location on Abbott Street before Wild Things Pizza and Beer took over in 2021.
When the space became available again, Musico wanted to offer a bakeshop to the neighborhood seeing as the area was lacking in dedicated dessert spots. OB regulars are thrilled and Rossi says they’re excited to get back into the beloved neighborhood and connect to the community while also catering to the many visitors flocking to the area and families on vacation.
Guests can expect an array of desserts to mix and match, cupcakes, bars, and many old favorites from the Surf Rider days like cream cheese brownies, lemon bars, coconut bars, and rum cake. “We have no fear of butter and flour here but we will offer some vegan and gluten-free options as well. Rachel nails it, you can’t tell the difference,” shares Rossi.
Sugalab’s mascot is Fez the monkey, as seen on the brand’s logo. Fez is a snarky monkey who urges customers to try something new. Besides their signature sweets, Sugalab will put their unique spin on their drink menu with fresh lemonades, floats with nostalgic sodas, and coffee. Plus ice cream sandwiches and daily specials like Cinnamon Roll Sundays which Rossi agrees, “is a good reason to get your butts out of bed on Sunday.” With a background in catering, Musico will also lend her talents to custom cake orders to make any occasion extra sweet.
Sugalab Sweets is expected to soft open February 21st. A website is in the works and will feature more information and an online retail shop, featuring Fez monkey merch, along with their signature products like chocolate ganache and caramel sauce. Get to know Sugalab Sweets by following their Instagram.
