The man, the myth, the legend—Orville Redenbacher was more than the face on your go-to snack when it was time to turn down the lights and turn on the tube.
Best known for his namesake popcorn, Redenbacher resided in the popular vacation town of Coronado, California—just across the unmissable bridge from downtown San Diego.
The Coronado Historical Association counts him among the famous residents of the beachfront Coronado Shores. Apparently, even the popcorn business comes with the possibility of an ocean view.
And his local connection extends to a French restaurant that first opened in 1974.
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Chez Loma occupies the historic Carey-Hizar House, a Victorian home dating to around 1889, within walking distance of the Hotel del Coronado and the beach. More than 50 years after opening, the bistro still gives visitors a reason to wander off Orange Avenue and pull up a chair.
Redenbacher reportedly had his own preferred corner of the place. A dining review published by SanDiegoRestaurants.com describes its enclosed front patio as a “favorite haunt” of the late popcorn magnate.
Of course, the bow tie and glasses weren’t the whole business plan. According to the brand’s history, Redenbacher and business partner Charles Bowman perfected their popcorn hybrid in 1965, developing the light, fluffy kernels that helped make his name a pantry staple.
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The restaurant’s longevity hasn’t come without interruptions. In February 2020, SanDiegoVille reported that Chez Loma had abruptly closed, then updated its story after ownership said it would reopen.
Following a pandemic shutdown, Coronado Times reported that the bistro reopened on June 4 that year.
Today, Chez Loma serves French onion soup with Gruyère and puff pastry, steak frites with peppercorn sauce, and crème brûlée among its early-bird dessert options.
White linens and the old house set the atmosphere; the nearby shoreline makes it easy to work dinner into a beach day, with a stroll past historic mansions along the way.
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Prefer two wheels? Coronado’s bike routes wind through historic neighborhoods and along the waterfront, giving you plenty to explore before dinner at 1132 Loma Avenue.
Pop in for happy hour Tuesday through Friday in the bar area, and take a look at the front patio—reportedly a favorite spot of Redenbacher’s to dine in.
What Redenbacher ordered remains a mystery, but recent Google reviewers offer a few leads, praising the beef Wellington, French onion soup and burgers.
This story was originally published by Parade on Oct 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Food & Drink section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Dining and Cooking