OCEANSIDE – It’s time to hit the surf and say “Goodbye Betty” in the latest change to an evolving downtown Oceanside.
The neighborhood near Oceanside Municipal Pier is almost unrecognizable compared to just a few years ago, with new eateries, business and multi-story hotels that include Mission Pacific Beach Resort, which readers of Travel + Leisure magazine rated best in the continental United States in July.
Kitty corner to the resort is the hotel credited with starting the area’s renaissance, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott at 110 N. Myers St.
In June, Oram Hotels acquired the block bordered by Myers Street and Mission Avenue, taking over SpringHill Suites and the restaurant Hello Betty, which both were built about 10 years ago.
Oram Hotels President Kevin Mansour said there won’t be any immediate changes to SpringHill Suites, but Hello Betty already has been rebranded as The Surf Club.
Having grown up in Oceanside in a family that owned many properties in the city, Mansour is enthused about creating an atmosphere in the restaurant that reflects the vibe of the community.
“They were an out-of-town company that owned the brand,” he said about the Colorado-based owners who also operated a Hello Betty in Washington, D.C. “We always believed that it was disconnected from the community. It was kind of an outside group that came in and operated the restaurant.
“They did very well over the years, but I think for us, it’s kind of time for the future,” Mansour continued. “We don’t have all the answers today of what we’re going to do with it, but my focus right now is to make sure the locals know we want to bring this home. It will take time to do that.”
As part of that community vision, Mansour said plans for the restaurant include bringing in local chefs for pop-up events and collaborations with local brands and concepts in Oceanside and North County.
The Surf Club has a rooftop lounge and a menu that includes tacos, burgers, fish and other items. It features live music Thursday through Sunday with a mix of rock, country, acoustic, reggae and other genres.
Other Holdings
Property ownership and management was a family business for Kevin Mansour and his brother Alvin, whose father owned several businesses in Oceanside, including liquor stores and a motel.
The brothers formed Oram Holdings and Oram Hotels, with Alvin managing a number of real estate properties as part of Oram Holdings and Kevin operating hotels, bars and restaurants on the hospitality side.
Oram Hotels first major project was the development of The Guild at 500 Broadway in downtown San Diego. Originally a YMCA built in 1924, The Guild opened in 2019 and is considered one of the city’s most elegant hotels.
Next up is the 96-room Granger Hotel on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, which Mansour said will open in a couple of months.
The Granger Building opened in 1904 has served as offices spaces and a bank over the years, and even played a role in the start of the San Diego Zoo.
Dr. Harry Wegeforth, founder of the zoo, had his medical practice in the Granger Building and married the building owner’s daughter, Rachel Granger. Wegeforth kept some young animals in the building’s basem*nt in the early days of the zoo, which opened in 1916.
“We’re taking a playful, respectful approach to the animals in our branding,” Mansour said, hinting at some of the artistic elements people can expect to find at the hotel. “We’re bringing it out in a very unexpected way for the Granger.”
Oceanside Pride
Kevin Mansour and his brother, Alvin, grew up in Oceanside and followed in their father’s footsteps to own and manage property.
Along with The Surf Club and SpringHill Suites, Mansour opened Board House Natural Wines as a pop-up adjacent to the hotel.
The wine shop is operated in partnership with Always Hungry Grocery & Goods in Carlsbad, an example of the collaboration Mansour said he wants to create with local businesses.
Just a few blocks away from The Surf Club, Oram Hotels also owns and operates the Haunted Head Saloon, a pirate-themed dive bar rich in character.
“It was built by the people and in conjunction with the people who operate it,” Mansour said about the saloon, which has been in business for about 20 years. “The people built the bar and built the community.
“We’re big believers in community, and buildings don’t create community,” he continued.
“People make the community. You can build something amazing and not have the community be a part of it and enjoy it. For us, we build the community first and then we come and the idea is we hope to re-envision the space over time, but ultimately we want to make sure it works for the community of Oceanside.”
It’s hard to imagine a greater cheerleader for the city than Mansour, who said he has the people and culture in mind when developing properties.
“Oceanside is very authentic,” he said. “It’s probably the most authentic beach community in America, especially with the diversity and the culture and the humility that it has. I think we’re finally kind of getting our respect after all these decades. It’s long overdue.”
Oram Hotels
FOUNDED: 2019
HEADQUARTERS: Oceanside
PRESIDENT: Kevin Mansour
EMPLOYEES: 200+
WEBSITE: https://oramholdings.com/
