USA. Novecientos Grados by Tony Hawk restaurant and bar has opened in San Diego International Airport Terminal 1. A focal point of the terminal’s recent expansion programme, the restaurant concept was developed by Areas USA in collaboration with skateboard legend Tony Hawk and Chef Claudette Zepeda.
The 5,000 sq ft venue, designed by Akarstudios of Santa Monica, is billed as a “theatrical platform” blending art, design and local culture.
Featuring an eye-catching frontage on the terminal’s Departures level, the concept draws inspiration from San Diego’s skateboarding heritage and the Californian city’s distinctive architecture.
The flagship restaurant features an island bar, a tarmac-facing dining space and an outdoor patio.
The bar’s sculptural design integrates sweeping ramp forms beneath a cantilevered steel canopy, with illuminated glass panels showcasing vibrant floral embroidery motifs.
The double-height dining space overlooks the airfield, while the interior features a wood canopy decorated with skateboards printed with city landmarks.
A custom wall graphic of a San Diego skate park anchors the dining area, while the terrace offers travellers a lounge-style retreat with skyline views.
Throughout the venue, blackened steel beams, imprinted wood panels, concrete finishes and laminated glass combine with colourful art and skate culture references.
According to Akarstudios, the overall design theme aimed to create an “immersive atmosphere” in full view of passengers travelling through the new terminal building.
Self-ordering stations are positioned to streamline guest flow and enhance service visibility.
Areas culinary collaborator Claudette Zepeda is an award-winning, San Diego-based chef and entrepreneur known for her regional Mexican cuisine.
She is the Founder of Chispa Hospitality, which operates various restaurant concepts across San Diego, Nashville, Australia and Mexico.
Tony Hawk, nicknamed ‘Birdman’, is an American professional skateboarder, entrepreneur and the owner of the skateboard company Birdhouse. 
