Shared from The Del Mar Times Online 01/05/2024: https://www.delmartimes.net/business-spotlight/story/2024-01-05/poseidon-in-del-mar-continues-to-offer-modern-seafood-experience
There have been many changes at the Poseidon on the Beach restaurant in Del Mar since Tom Ranglas Jr., the owner and operator, started working there in the late 1960s when his father bought the place.
One of the recent ones was a remodel about 20 years ago, which took eight months to complete after Tom Sr. was finally persuaded by his children that it was overdue. They reopened with a new menu and a new chef in 2004, transforming it into more of a modern seafood restaurant.
“I can’t believe it’s been that long,” said Ranglas Jr., who started working at Poseidon when he was just 15 years old. “I don’t know where the time went, but ever since that remodel it’s been very successful. My dad ended up being happy with the remodel.”
His dad died in 2018, but his legacy lives on through Poseidon’s continued presence in the community.
According to a 1997 Del Mar Times article, Ranglas Sr. was an immigrant from Greece who didn’t speak English. He purchased the present-day Poseidon, formerly known as the Fire Pit, and the Del Mar Motel for $300,000. He had been living with his mother in El Cajon and was originally interested in buying a coffee shop before a real estate agent told him about the opportunity in Del Mar.
“I laughed at the number because to me it was incredibly large,” he told the Del Mar Times in 1997, adding that he spent five years repaying his mom for money she lent him for the purchase.
Tom Sr. visited the restaurant twice a day until the end.
In the years since, Tom Ranglas Jr. said the “great team” he has at Poseidon has played a critical role in the award-winning venue’s continued success.
But there is still more they would like to do in the years ahead. Ranglas said he’d like to put together more events for charity, and more events that bring the local community together.
“We’ve done that in the past, but we want to continue doing that, and maybe doing a little more when time allows,” he said.
One recent event that Poseidon participated in was the 31st annual Red Nose Run on Dec. 9 in Del Mar, with proceeds going toward Semper Fi/America’s Fund and the San Dieguito River Walk. Poseidon provided food to participants.
Another goal, Ranglas added, is to put together culinary events aimed at tapping into the exploding food culture in San Diego, such as possible collaborations with other restaurateurs.
“There are a lot of good things going on in San Diego in the culinary field,” Ranglas said.
Poseidon is located at 1670 Coast Blvd. in Del Mar. Hours are 4 to 11 p.m. Mondays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
In addition to lunch, brunch and dinner menus, there is also happy hour at the bar on Mondays to Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m.
More information and reservations are available at www.poseidonrestaurant.com (through OpenTable)and walk-ins are accommodated on a first come, first served basis. Phone: 858-755-9345.