Community Feature

Welcome to the community: R Place Bar & Eatery 

By Cesar A. Reyes

When a small business in our community closes or is sold, we all wait with anticipation to find out what new business will take its place. We want to know who the new owners will be and what they envision for the space, hoping for businesses that cater to the LGBTQ+ community and that will be operated by LGBTQ+ owners. We are all too familiar with businesses that only do the bare minimum by slapping a rainbow flag on a window and hoping the community rewards them with their gay dollars. The WORD spoke with the folks taking over the space at 1027 University Avenue. Juan Carlos Flores and Demecio Meneses are a married couple of 11 years, transplants from Seattle, WA who moved to San Diego three years ago. Now they are making their way from downtown to Hillcrest and have shared how excited they are to open a sports bar and restaurant in the community that will be a welcome spot for all.

We set down with them and this is what they had to share. (Click on the image to view full video interview)

Meet Owners Juan Carlos Flores and Demicio Meneses 

Meet General Manager Floyd Lovelady