Chop Suey Lounge to Open in San Diego by 2027
New owners are renovating the former Peking Restaurant space to feature a jazz stage and dual dining concepts.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Jacquelyn Kelly and Jason Bess will open the Chop Suey Lounge in 2027 at the historic former Peking Restaurant site in San Diego. The project includes a full renovation of the 3,500-square-foot property located at 2877 University Ave.
Why it matters
The venture aims to revitalize a long-standing local landmark that had operated from 1931 until its closure in 2019. By restoring the historically designated facade, the owners plan to preserve the cultural character of the building.
The new restaurant spans 3,500 square feet of space at the historic site. Future operations will feature a secondary dining area called Ginger Roots.
The players
Jacquelyn Kelly
She is a primary owner who secured the lease to transform the historic restaurant site.
Jason Bess
He is a co-owner collaborating on the restoration and renovation of the building.
The details
The renovation involves gutting the interior, installing salvaged lanterns, and replacing current metal doors with wooden alternatives. The finished space will offer a main room for American-Chinese cuisine, a live jazz stage, and the Ginger Roots area.
Timeline
1931: The site began its tenure as the Peking Restaurant.
2019: The Peking Restaurant concluded operations at the University Ave location.
2025: Jacquelyn Kelly and Jason Bess officially secured the lease for the property.
2027: The Chop Suey Lounge is scheduled to open to the public.
Market Landscape
The project reflects a broader trend of repurposing vintage properties in San Diego to maintain neighborhood heritage while introducing modern dining concepts. This development positions the owners to capture demand for immersive hospitality experiences that combine live entertainment with heritage architecture.
Local residents can expect a new venue offering both American-Chinese dishes and Asian-fusion cuisine. The renovation project will also restore the building's original neon signage, altering the aesthetic of the street corner.
The takeaway
Preserving historic facades allows local business owners to maintain the character of a neighborhood while reinventing a space for modern use. Future diners should look for updates on the specific grand opening date as the 2027 completion target approaches.
Further reading
Explore more local business news in the San Diego Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Times of San Diego.
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