A new fence surrounds the long-vacant former Coco’s in College Grove, but city officials say no redevelopment is planned as residents seek answers.

SAN DIEGO — A former Coco’s restaurant in College Grove has remained vacant for years, but now there’s a noticeable change: a new fence has been erected around the property. Despite this development, it does not signal an imminent redevelopment, according to city officials.

Residents have expressed frustration over the abandoned building, which has become a concern for local community members. In November 2023, News 8 reported on the property when three cats were rescued from inside. In June, reporter Alex Cheney discovered a man sleeping under the awning with windows open and trash scattered around the site. Local resident Jan Davis expressed her worries about the building’s security, stating, “Just seeing something like this sitting here is a waste of time and money and potential.”



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The new fence has brought some relief to residents. “I’m just really happy to see this big ole green fence around it,” Davis remarked. However, the city of San Diego confirmed that there are no current plans for redevelopment. There are no new building or demolition permits associated with the property. Instead, the city noted an abandoned property complaint filed on June 24, which is currently under active enforcement, and the San Diego Fire Department has updated the warning posted outside the building.

Additionally, the property’s management company, Cushman and Wakefield, reported that there are no active deals and that the site is not currently listed for lease. The future remains uncertain for the former restaurant, and residents are eager for answers. Davis emphasized the community’s need for clarity, stating, “What’s going on here we need to know, I mean the community needs to know and it’s just why not? Fix it.”

Complicating matters further, Coco’s current owner, Lena Brands, filed for bankruptcy in May. The chain now operates only two locations, one in Mission Valley and another in Riverside County.