Clayton's Coffee Shop Owner To Open Harbor Island Market & Cafe AND Coronado Bakery & Bistro

November 28, 2018

The owner of San Diego's historic Clayton's Coffee Shop, which has been packing the house in Coronado since 1941, is in the process of a substantial expansion that includes an upscale market & modern deli on Harbor Island and a 1900s-inspired bakery and bistro heading into the space that last housed Firefly Pizza in Coronado.

Mary Frese took over the iconic Clayton's Coffee Shop in Coronado in 2008 and maintained the classic diner feel that patrons had come to cherish, while implementing a scratch-made kitchen and higher standards regarding sourcing of ingredients.

"It's been a priviledge to own Clayton's Coffee," said Frese. "The community has always been supportive and I am beyond greatful to my loyal customers for giving us this chance to expand."

Frese is currently working on two new dining projects. Clayton's Galley is currently in its soft opening phase at 1880 Harbor Drive within the beautiful Marina Cortez plaza on Harbor Island. Mary's son, Jake Frese, operates Jackpot Charters Sportfishing from the marina and alerted his mother to seize on the waterfront vacancy.

Clayton's Galley is a 1,000 square foot cafe, deli and market that offers freshly baked breakfast items, sandwiches, fresh salads, pizzas, and will move into dinner service soon with a variety of entrees. The one-stop-shop onsite market sells everything from drinks to snacks to frozen foods, fresh produce, ice cream, deli meats and cheeses, plant based & biodegradeable cleaning supplies, a line of suncare and skin care products, and everyday necessities - all geared toward being less impactful on environment. The space even has outdoor patio seating overlooking the marina that will soon add a firepit for cooler evenings. Clayton's Galley is also in the process of acquiring a beer and wine license.

"For Clayton's Galley, we are focused on being a part of the sailing and sports fishing community, but also a destination for people who want to enjoy comfortable waterfront dining," explained Frese. "The interior of the business is being designed to make patrons feel like they are on a boat with nautical flooring in the dining room and custom built maritime-style booths. We will soon add boxed lunches and picnic baskets to the menu for those enjoying a day in the nearby parks or on a boat, as well as have a variety of charcuterie & fromage boards made with only the finest meats and cheeses."

Also in development is Clayton's Bakery & Bistro at 849 Orange Avenue in Coronado in the 1,200 square-foot space last occupied by Firefly Pizza. For this concept, Frese aims to create an early 1900s vibe with a nostalgic feel, offering a classic American design with white marble countertops, aged oak wood features, black wrought iron accents, copper ceilings, and subway tile backsplashes. In addition to a globally-inspired bakery with everything from unique pastries, cookies, cakes and fresh baked breads, the restaurant will offer an upscale bistro menu, as well as local beers and a curated wine list. Expect homemade soups, charcuterie & cheese boards, and classic American dishes. The restaurant will also have a front & back outdoor patio and a parking lot.

"For Clayton's Bakery & Bistro, I want to harness the United States in the early 1900s when immigration was at its peak and the country was experiencing the influence of new cultures combined with the joy of simple pleasures like fresh bread and hearty soups," detailed Frese."Coronado needs a neighborhood bakery and we hope to create something special with its own little magic that people cannot experience anywhere else."

Clayton's Galley is currently in its soft opening phase and Clayton's Bakery & Bistro aims to open in early 2019. Clayton's Coffee Shop is located at 979 Orange Avenue in Coronado.