Rob McShea, a restaurateur who has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, said he fell in love with the industry while attending San Diego State University.
“The idea of crafting something with my hands, whether that be food or drinks, and influencing people’s experience, based on customer service and my interaction with them, really made me want to get into this business,” McShea said.
Over the year’s he has worked at several restaurants and bars such as Thrusters and Duck Dive in Pacific Beach and the now-closed Martini Ranch in the Gaslamp Quarter.
“I just kind of discovered a passion for the hospitality business,” he said.
In 2016, McShea and his business partners created the Grind & Prosper Hospitality, which operates several restaurants across the county, including Louisiana Purchase in North Park, Cococabana in Oceanside and Park 101 in Carlsbad.
“We had people who believed in us, and we wanted to open bars and restaurants where people felt welcomed and places where we could build a community of employees and customers,” McShea said. “The bottom line is in hospitality, you want to be part of something greater and not be a business of transactions.”
In his role as director of operations, said he McShea visits all of his restaurants weekly and oversees the business side of things. One of these eateries is American-fusion restaurant Coco Maya, in Little Italy, where he lives and chose five places to highlight.
Rob McShea is the director of operations, owner and co-founder of Grind & Prosper Hospitality, which owns several restaurants acorss San Diego County. (Grind & Prosper Hospitality)
Q: Where is your favorite dining option?
A: I have two. I like going to Waterfront Bar & Grill to get a beer and a burger. I also love going to Barbusa because they have great hospitality. I am a martini guy, through and through, so that’s my go-to cocktail. And for food, any pasta dish is good.
Q: What is your favorite small retail business or pop-up vendor to support?
A: My favorite retail business is The Market By Buon Appetito. It’s centrally located on India Street and is perfect for ingredients to make a nice dinner, if you’re not feeling like going out. It’s basically like a corner neighborhood grocery store. You can get fresh produce, fresh meat at the meat counter, fresh breads, and it has great Italian cookies.
Piazza della Famiglia in Little Italy on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Q: Where is your favorite open space?
A: I think the best open space is the Piazza della Famiglia. It’s great for people watching or strolling through on a Wednesday or Saturday for the farmers market. There is always something going on, like street performers or public events.
Q: Where is the best piece of artwork?
A: Aside from the chalk street art during the annual art walk, I’d probably say the colorful Mona Lisa mosaic that has “ciao” on a wall as you enter the on-ramp to the southbound 5 freeway from Grape Street. It’s cool and unique to see as you leave Little Italy.
The San Diego County Administration Center and Waterfront Park on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Q: Where is your favorite entertainment attraction or historic landmark?
A: The Waterfront Park (because) there is always something going on, whether it’s CRRSD Fest, a concert or my favorite Boots in the Park (country festival). It’s also really close to the heart of Little Italy.