Culinary Dropout, the rebellious comfort food concept from Fox Restaurant Concepts, is making its California debut in style. The brand’s first West Coast location opens Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 12875 El Camino Real, inside the revamped Del Mar Highlands Town Center in North County San Diego.
Known for its elevated takes on American classics, handcrafted cocktails, and a steady rotation of live music, Culinary Dropout has earned a cult following across states like Arizona and Texas. Now, founder Sam Fox is bringing the concept to Del Mar, aiming to make it a new go-to neighborhood hangout.
A First for California
Although Fox Restaurant Concepts (FRC) already operates several restaurants in San Diego—like The Henry, North Italia, Blanco Cocina + Cantina, and Flower Child—this marks Culinary Dropout’s first-ever California location. It also signals the start of a broader West Coast expansion, with more SoCal locations teased to follow, including another Henry in Carlsbad.
The 8,000-square-foot space, previously occupied by Tilly’s, has been reimagined with eclectic art, laid-back vibes, and a stage for live performances during lunch, dinner, happy hour, and weekend brunch. Founder Sam Fox says the goal is to make Culinary Dropout a “neighborhood staple” for Del Mar’s food-loving community.
The Menu: Comfort Food With a Twist
Expect bold flavors and playful presentations. Highlights include:
- Soft Pretzels with Provolone Fondue
- BBQ Pork Belly Nachos
- Korean-Style Ribeye Cap
- Black Truffle Mushroom Detroit-Style Pizza
- Chicken Cacio e Pepe
- Crispy Chicken Katsu Sandwiches
Thirsty? The drink menu brings the fun with cocktails like the Giddy Up Espresso Martini, Abandoned Cadillac, and Full Moon Party, alongside local craft beers and curated wines.
A Brand With a Track Record
Founded by Sam Fox—who famously dropped out of college at 20 to launch a restaurant empire—Culinary Dropout is now part of The Cheesecake Factory’s portfolio following a $308 million acquisition in 2019. While this backing provides scale and polish, it hasn’t come without controversy.
During the early days of the pandemic, FRC drew criticism for launching a GoFundMe to support furloughed staff despite its corporate backing. The brand also faced scrutiny for not reporting positive COVID-19 cases at its locations in San Diego, sparking concerns over transparency.
Still, Fox’s influence in San Diego is growing. The Coronado resident recently opened a second Blanco Cocina + Cantina nearby and remains bullish on North County’s culinary scene.
Community Connection
Despite its size and flash, Culinary Dropout emphasizes community engagement. According to the company, they strive to be “ingrained in the fabric” of the neighborhoods they serve, supporting local efforts through gift card donations, benefit nights, and sponsorships.
With its live music, bold bites, and laid-back vibes, Culinary Dropout is ready to become a standout spot in Del Mar Highlands. The restaurant is currently hiring for front- and back-of-house positions, with reservations opening soon on OpenTable.
