Bull & Bear restaurant relocating to Girard

Bull & Bear Bar & Grill, which had operated in 800 square feet of space at 1271 Prospect St. for 7 1/2 years, closed its doors right before Super Bowl weekend after lease renegotiations failed.

But owner Francine Lore, a former stockbroker, told patrons not to worry: Bull & Bear will reopen sometime in March in a bigger and more picturesque venue at 8008 Girard Ave., Suite 220. The new ocean-view space was previously inhabited by Blu Wave Mediterranean Kitchen.

“It’s three stories and has a big patio out front,” said Lore, who added that her restaurant’s “comfort” food menu will be upgraded while “keeping all our favorites” — burgers, tater tots, steaks and salads.

Lore said it will take a couple of weeks to adapt her new retail space — 3,000 square feet — with a major renovation planned next winter.

La Jolla landlord Lincoln Foster said Bull & Bear’s lease had expired about 1 1/2 years ago and that the restaurant/cocktail lounge had been subleasing month-to-month.

“Parties trying to renegotiate never came to terms,” he said, adding, “The lessee, Collector’s Cafe, my tenant, is in negotiations with several interested parties.”

Lore said she’s excited about upgrading her new space and luring back her regulars with casual dining.

“The view is spectacular,” she said. “We’ll be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as late-night. We’ll have wine tastings and a room upstairs for private parties and for playing chess that we’re going to call the Bullpen.”

The restaurateur added that the new Bull & Bear will be people- and pet-friendly.

“Locals can bring their dogs and hang out on the patio and smoke cigars,” she said. “We’re hoping to get fire pits and just make it a lively patio.”