Del Mar Village Small Business Spotlight: Stratford Court Cafe
Del Mar Village Small Business Spotlight: Stratford Court Cafe
Welcome to our business spotlight blog series, in which we interview the folks behind your favorite Del Mar Village businesses. We hope you learn something new and stop in soon!
Get to know Stratford Court Cafe
Josh Arbenz, Owner
Tell us your backstory: What was your path to owning a business in Del Mar Village? Did you grow up here? Why did you choose Del Mar Village to set up shop?
I grew up in San Diego, regularly frequenting downtown Del Mar to surf as a kid and worked summers and holidays during college valet parking at Del Mar Plaza. I started my first restaurant in 2014, but prior to that I had spoken to the owner Stratford Court Cafe about purchasing the business. After many years that finally came to fruition and my wife and I are delighted to be back in Del Mar.
Tell us about your business. What should people know about it? What makes it unique?
Stratford Court Cafe is remarkably unique given its garden patio seating and Cape Cod-style architecture. It is close to everything but quaint and peaceful and a Del Mar local favorite for nearly 25 years.
What is one product or service you are most known for or is particularly special to you?
The Stratford Scramble is our most popular dish and we also love our waffles and açai bowls. For lunch we have excellent sandwich and salad options and Chef Marco is known for his excellent vegan soups.
Tell us one fun fact about your business most people don't know.
Before I owned the restaurant, my wife and I had our rehearsal dinner there and it was an excellent venue and experience. We do some private events but plan to promote the space so more people know it's an option for them.
What do you love about Del Mar Village?
You can't beat the charm, great restaurants and shops, and easy access on the water!
How would you spend the perfect day in Del Mar? Where would you go? What would you eat or do?
My wife and I would take our dogs to dog beach and then walk around Del Mar Village and have lunch, coffee or maybe a glass of wine at one of the many excellent restaurants nearby.