Sycuan Unveils The unCommons Market

Sycuan Casino Resort has unveiled The unCommons, a San Diego fast casual experience that’s anything but common, that will officially open on March 27. The unCommons market will feature five restaurants and a variety of cuisines for guests to enjoy.

Pairing quality ingredients with a dash of irreverence, The unCommons will turn ordinary meals into next-level foodie experiences. From pizza slices with attitude, to the “world’s greatest burger,” to many San Diego local favorites, the only commonality will be great taste.

Sycuan has partnered with several iconic restaurants to bring The unCommons to life. The exciting new restaurants that will be featured in the fast-casual market are Phil’s BBQ, Hodad’s, The Hangry Slice, Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop and Luna Grill.

“Sycuan chose top-tier, fast-casual brands that have original roots in San Diego; each offering their unique and iconic dishes that will appeal to a wide range of guests,” said John Dinius, general manager at Sycuan Casino. “These brands are well-known for consistent quality and a passion for giving back to the local community, and each seemed like a natural fit for The unCommons. This collection of San Diego’s best will surely solidify Sycuan Casino as a place where guests can visit and enjoy a multitude of dining, gaming and entertainment options.”

 

Phil’s BBQ

Phil’s BBQ has been a pioneer of fast-casual dining since it opened its doors in San Diego in 1998. The mouth-watering menu features barbecue classics ranging from baby back ribs to pulled pork sandwiches. Phil’s BBQ has received several awards including Best Restaurant, Best BBQ, Top 10 Restaurants in the Nation, #1 Restaurants in San Diego and more.

“We are honored to partner with an organization like Sycuan, that is widely recognized and respected in the San Diego community,” said Kevin Sheehan, EVP & COO at Phil’s BBQ. “We can’t wait to bring our award-winning mesquite grilled BBQ to The unCommons market and help take the dining experience at Sycuan to the next level.”

 

Hodad’s

Since opening their doors in 1969, Hodad’s has become an icon in the San Diego community. Hodad’s was featured on an episode of Diner’s, Drive-In’s and Dive’s that garnered national attention and has been named one of the best burger joints in the nation. Though originally an Ocean Beach staple, Hodad’s has expanded over the years to include a location in downtown San Diego and in downtown’s Petco Park and now, at Sycuan.

“After meeting the team from Sycuan and seeing the synergy between both organizations, I knew it would be a great partnership,” said Jeremy Diem, president and CEO at Hodad’s. “We’re really excited to bring our full menu including our shakes and brand new beer to Sycuan and really give guests the complete Hodad’s experience.”

The Hangry Slice

Ever been so hungry it turns you into something of a raging lunatic? At The Hangry Slice, we not only get hangrier on a personal level, we gladly welcome the emotion before having our wide selection of deliciously pissed off pizzas, crabby calzones and snarky sandwiches take care of it for you. Enjoy a wide selection of pizzas with a variety of ingredients including spicy chorizo red sauce, soppressata picante, gluten-free cauliflower pizza crust and even chicken pot pie.

“Our guests will quickly see that The Hangry Slice is not your average pizza place,” said Paul Schwab, executive chef at Sycuan Casino. “We are working hard to create unparalleled dining experiences at Sycuan by taking classic pizzas and adding our own twist.”

Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop

Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop was opened as a fast-casual Mexican restaurant in Mission Hills, San Diego, CA in 2008 by the Rojano brothers. The birth of Lucha Libre began by first breaking away from what was already being offered and giving customers a unique twist to what had become synonymous with southern California culture: good quality Mexican food. At launch, Lucha Libre began offering never-before-seen menu items, incorporating quality ingredients from family recipes, as well as improving classic taco shop staples. Lucha Libre has been featured in several national TV networks including the Travel Channel, Food Network, Cooking Channel and more.

“We are extremely excited and honored to become a part of the Sycuan family and The unCommons market,” said José Luis Rojano, co-owner at Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop. “Everything you see on the Lucha Libre menu, including all of our favorites and our most popular Surfin’ California Burrito, will be available at Sycuan.”

Luna Grill

Luna Grill is a pioneer of the “Luxe Casual” movement, providing fast, wholesome food that the whole family can enjoy. Founded in 2004, Luna Grill offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine such as signature kabob plates, gourmet salads, appetizers including hummus and falafel, wraps, desserts, craft beer and wine in a contemporary setting. The concept has now grown to 48 locations in Southern California, Inland Empire and the Dallas Fort Worth Area.

“We are thrilled to have signed our first licensing agreement with such a notable, home town partner Sycuan Casino,” said Sean Pourteymour, co-founder and CEO at Luna Grill. “We are impressed with the best in class experience that Sycuan Casino provides and it’s an honor to bring Luna Grill to The unCommons.”

The unCommons will officially open during the Sycuan Casino Resort Grand Opening on March 27.