Prospect Bar & Lounge Owners; Brannon Ciora, Cesar Vallin and Jahmal Bento
Name: Brannon Ciora
Birthdate: 3/30/1980
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Current Residence: Pacific Beach
Occupation: Restaurant Owner
Favorite happy hour: Mine, 2 for 1 drinks and appetizers
Favorite Hang-out besides Prospect Bar & Lounge: The golf course and supporting all other restaurants
Name: Cesar Vallin
Birthdate: 02-02-81
Hometown: Pacific Beach
Current Residence: Clairemont
Occupation: Slave to my Bar & Restaurant
Favorite happy hour: Prospect bar & lounge, and Sushi on the Rock II
Favorite Hang-out besides Prospect Bar & Lounge: Tavern at the Beach, Sushi Rocks II, and BIG A’s.
Name: Jahmal Bento Birthdate: 04/29/1977
Hometown: San Diego
Current Residence: San Diego
Occupation: Bar Manager/ Owner
Favorite happy hour: Prospect Bar and Lounge/ Sushi on the Rock II
Favorite Hangout besides Prospect Bar & Lounge: Gilbert Castellanos Jam session at Onyx Room on Tuesday nights, Waterfront, or Bar dynamite
In terms of bar and or club ownership, what is your background?
B: Been in the nightclub/restaurant industry for the past 7 years. I started as a bar-back downtown and worked my way to bartender, manager and now owner. Learning the ins and outs of this industry, I have been fortunate enough to apply my knowledge to Prospect bar & lounge.
C: Been in the bar industry for the past 7 years. I’ve been a cook, security, barback, bartender, and manager. Created the show “Socalvibe TV”, and socalvibe.com.
J: I have worked in this industry for 15 years now and I done a little bit of everything dishwashing, cooking, bartending you name it I’ve probably done it.
What does Prospect Bar & Lounge mean to you?
B: Means a vision of success.
C: Nothing……Everything!!
Why did you want to open your restaurant and lounge in San Diego?
B: I began working at Prospects location 4 years ago and kept telling myself I will own this spot and make it what it is today.
J: We didn’t, just like most things in life it wasn’t planned the opportunity just presented itself and we seized it.
What are some of the things you have experienced over time that you've incorporated into Prospect Bar & Lounge?
C: Keeping an open mind… learning from other people’s mistakes, I can’t afford to make them all myself…
J: I grew up in La Jolla and the area has a tendency to be somewhat stuffy, if you come into Prospect bar & Lounge you will find something completely different. Finally La Jolla has something to offer the common man with a taste for sophistication.
Describe your concept for the Prospect Bar & Lounge remodel.
B: We went with a sports lounge theme by day and live venue by night. You can lounge in vip areas while watching sporting events on flat screens and then head into the night accommodated by bottle service listening to top dj’s and bands. Because of our layout and ocean view patio, we also opened our doors for all types of catering events from weddings to corporate parties.
C: Upscale sports lounge, with nightly entertainment.
J: We wanted to incorporate a few elements, we wanted guest to able to enjoy all the accoutrement of a sports bar without neglecting one of the best views of the cove that La Jolla has to offer, as well as maintaining a loungey comfortable theme. Not easy for 3 guys with no taste in décor. But I think we managed.
What is your concept for the cuisine at Prospect Bar & Lounge?
B: A California Coastal Cuisine. The menu has little of everything from shrimp cocktail to wings, to salads, burgers and steak. A variety of food for everyone.
C: We went with a California costal cuisine and wanted to keep it simple.
J: As John Wooden said K.I.S.S. Keep. It. Simple. Stupid. We didn’t try to do anything crazy we have a lot of items that you will see on other restaurant menus we just try to do them better and provide a more consistent product.
What really sets Prospect Bar & Lounge apart from the other restaurants and clubs in La Jolla?
B: We have a relaxed atmosphere in an upscale venue. Plus being on the second story, our patio has one of the best views in San Diego.
C: Concept wise, there is not another sports lounge…
J: What sets us apart is our energy and hands on approach to the restaurant; we are here in the trenches everyday.
What are your favorite dishes on the menu?
B: Would have to be our wings (addicting) along with our sirloin hamburgers.
C: Seared Ahi, and shrimp ceviche.
J: Seared Ahi, and Surf and Turf.
Do you have any tips for people coming to Prospect Bar &Lounge?
B: We do have plenty of underground parking
C: Bring your black AMEX CARD!
Where do you see San Diego cuisine and nightlife evolving to?
B: More and more people enjoy going out these days, so providing them with good food by day and a nightlife atmosphere at night.
C: The west cost Miami!
J: San Diego is becoming more and more of a destination town for jet-set young expendable income types. Yet, San Diego still maintains its humble beach bum feel.
Any pointers or tips that you might have for someone wanting get into the restaurant/bar/club ownership?
B: Fine tune counting your pennies first. When you find a good concept, it’s about managing and controlling your cost every minute. Talk with restaurant owners first to map out what you’re really looking at, on paper.
C: Why would u want to do that?
J: Don’t do it unless you hate vacations and spending time with the people you love.
What’s something only a local would know about San Diego?
J: The troll bridges on mount Soledad will take you back in time if you find all three of them.
What is next for you?
B: I look forward to opening another bar down the road along with couple other investment projects I have started and will grow with.
C: Its 5am, I am going to sleep.
Anyone to thank?
B: Want to thank my family for always supporting me. Next, Cesar Vallin and Jahmal Bento, my business partners on this project, for their hard work and putting up with me and the Prospect staff. All my friends, who I don’t get to see anymore, but you know where you can find me. Last, everybody out there who has visited Prospect Bar & Lounge. Thank You, Brannon
C: The man upstairs!! My parents, Brannon Ciora, Jahmal Bento, Eric Lingenfelder, Carlos Quentin, Marcos Rodriguez, Steve Sylva, Anthony Lopez, and last but not least Robert Cardenas. I wouldn’t be where I am at today without any of you!!
J: Too many to list…