On the night of the Summer Solstice 2002, Dave & Allison Donaldson opened their first restaurant, BeachFire Bar and Grill in the heart of downtown San Clemente. They had been “in the business” for many years, including Dave’s role as GM for Chart House in Dana Point, and wanted to open their own restaurant. The impetus for the place of their own was to connect with people in a creative atmosphere of eclectic food, art, and entertainment. For Dave and Allison, the restaurant business was and still is primarily a way to build community.

The opening of BeachFire San Clemente in Downtown in 2002, set it as a leader of a revival. BeachFire was the right addition and is now proud to be part of a thriving dining scene in San Clemente. The fire spread quickly with the opening of BeachFire Ladera Ranch in May 2006, and Irons in the Fire at the San Clemente Municipal golf course in December 2007. Each restaurant is a little different, but all have the same passion for connecting people. The restaurants have THE BEST employees and guests! This is what sets BeachFire apart from other restaurants and companies.

The inspiration for the vibe and style of BeachFire, came from Dave’s summer experiences at the Donaldson family beach house. The Clan Shell, at Mussel Shoals was just south of Rincon Point, Santa Barbara, CA. The surfing was pure with cold water, black wetsuits, and white boards – nice beavertail! The beach house was a place where everyone, regardless of age, background, whatever – all celebrated life. The silverware and furniture didn’t match, but the food was always great and the atmosphere a bit magical. The early California wine was fine and the conversation even better. Art and music were also big part of the beach house. Everyone added a bit of their own imagination and creations in the mix. No one was ever in a hurry to leave the beach house.

The name for BeachFire drifted to Dave and Allison one beautiful summer evening while driving down PCH with the windows down and the smell of a fire on the beach hit them in the face. They wrote the restaurant concept on a cocktail napkin that night.

The restaurants are committed to providing the finest food and service in a really comfortable and fun atmosphere. They use only the freshest of seafood, make all of their own sauces, dressings and desserts and have never had a microwave at any location. Sterling Silver beef and quality cocktails and wine lists have always been the standard. Constant improvements are made to reduce their footprint through recycling, reducing, and sourcing as much local and sustainable product as possible. BeachFire will always be in an eternal quest for improvement.

BeachFire’s intent is to capture the Clan Shell experience for all of our guests. You are invited to visit all three locations to experience each as a unique but similar place.

Dave and Allison would like to offer special thanks to their friends and family for helping make this happen. They also acknowledge and thank the amazing managers who keep making it happen. They love their employees who bring the BeachFire vibe to our wonderful and diverse guests. And finally, they extend a big thank you to their daughters, Paige and Isabel, for being such wonderful part of the world and an inspiration for them to be the best they can be.