Paradise Group applies for liquor license at San Diego waterfront restaurant

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

Singapore's Paradise Group has applied for a liquor license at 825 Harbor Drive, a step toward opening its first San Diego restaurant. The company plans two concepts at the downtown waterfront address: Paradise Dynasty, known for eight flavors of xiao long bao, and sister brand Le Shrimp Noodle Bar.

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control lists the type 47 license (on-sale general, eating place) as applied for, not yet issued. The site sits in the Research and Development District, a new IQHQ waterfront development. Paradise Group's U.S. locations already include South Coast Plaza and the Americana at Brand.

Why it matters

If the license clears, Paradise Group brings its dumpling-and-noodle brands to San Diego's redeveloping waterfront.

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Key Indicators

Applied

Liquor license status

California ABC shows the type 47 license as applied for, not yet issued.

100+

Paradise Group locations worldwide

The Singapore-based group operates more than 100 restaurants across Asia and the U.S.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

People Involved

Eldwin Chua

Founder and CEO, Paradise Group

Leading U.S. expansion

Desmond Boey

Director, Paradise Group

Spokesperson for U.S. expansion

Organizations Involved

Paradise Group Holdings

Restaurant Conglomerate

Expanding into San Diego

Singapore-based operator of Paradise Dynasty, Le Shrimp Noodle Bar, and other dining brands across Asia and the U.S.

Paradise Dynasty

Restaurant Brand

Planned for San Diego

Known for eight flavors of xiao long bao, from black truffle to kimchi.

Le Shrimp Noodle Bar

Restaurant Brand

Planned for San Diego

Shrimp broth noodle concept blending Chinese and Japanese flavors.

California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

State regulatory agency

Processing license application

The state agency that issues licenses for selling alcohol in California.

IQHQ, Inc.

Real estate developer

Developing the Research and Development District

Life sciences real estate firm behind the new waterfront development at 825 Harbor Drive.

Timeline

November 2025 October 2026

2 events Latest: Today

October 2026
Liquor license application filed in San Diego
Today Regulatory Filing

California ABC records a type 47 license application for Paradise Dynasty & Le Shrimp Noodle Bar at 825 Harbor Drive.
Today
November 2025
Paradise Group opens at Americana at Brand
Business Milestone

Paradise Dynasty and Le Shrimp Noodle Bar open in Glendale, the group's most recent U.S. expansion.
November 21st, 2025

Scenarios

License approved, Paradise Group opens San Diego restaurant in 2027

Likely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: What Now San Diego and Eater LA

California ABC issues the type 47 license to Paradise RADD SD LLC. Construction finishes and the dual-concept restaurant opens at 825 Harbor Drive, adding to Paradise Group's U.S. footprint.

License delayed, opening pushed to 2028

Possible Resolves by Q2 2028

Discussed by: What Now San Diego

Construction or permitting issues slow the approval process. The license is eventually granted but the restaurant opens later than planned, possibly in 2028.

Project scrapped, license denied or withdrawn

Unlikely Resolves by End of 2028

Discussed by: This would break from Paradise Group's expansion pattern.

Paradise Group abandons the San Diego site, withdrawing the application, or ABC denies it. The location never opens under these brands.

Historical Context

One moment from history that rhymes with this story — and how it unfolded.

2022

Din Tai Fung's Americana exit (2022)

Taiwan's Din Tai Fung moved its soup dumpling restaurant from the Americana at Brand to a larger space across the street at the Galleria. Paradise Group signed a lease for the vacated Americana space the same year.

Then

Paradise Dynasty and Le Shrimp Noodle Bar opened in that space in November 2025.

Now

The swap showed how Asian restaurant groups compete for prime Southern California mall spaces.

Why this matters now

Paradise Group is following the same expansion playbook in San Diego, anchoring a new waterfront development with two of its brands.