The Stand Opens 23rd Location in Renamed Valley Mall

The Stand held its grand opening on Oct. 8 inside the Valley Mall in Mission Valley. The mall recently completed a full remodel that included renaming the property. This new venue represents the 23rd location for the brand and its third restaurant in San Diego.

Murray Wishengrad, based in Encino, founded the chain in 2003. He described his initial motivation for starting the business after retiring. "I failed at retirement. I couldn’t just sit on the couch after I retired; I needed something to do," Wishengrad said. He stated that the company operates 23 restaurants and aims to reach 50 locations in the coming years.

Wishengrad's sons, Jason and Zachary, work daily with their father on the family-operated chain. The brand focuses on serving American classics with creative flavor profiles in a casual setting. The new Valley Mall site provides indoor and outdoor seating for 200 guests. A full bar offers handcrafted cocktails alongside craft beer and wine.

The menu includes specific prepared items and build-your-own options. Current specials feature an Apple Cheddar Burger with a beef patty, double cheddar, apple julienne, grilled onions, bacon tomato jam, and spicy honey mustard on a pretzel bun. Another special is the Big Shrimp Bowl, which contains grilled shrimp in a house-made glaze, avocado, cucumber salad, sesame-pickled carrots, edamame, crispy wontons, and steamed rice.

Guests can construct custom burgers using beef, turkey, vegetarian, or chicken patties. Five bun options are available, including a gluten-free choice. Toppings include various sauces, cheeses, onion strings, and bacon tomato jam. Salad options include Seared Ahi Tuna, Chinese Chicken, and Chimichurri Steak Salad. The menu also lists wraps, hot dogs, and a dedicated children's section.

The restaurant supports local schools, youth teams, and nonprofits through fundraising events and sponsorships. It is located across from AMC Theaters in the mall. Hours of operation run from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays through Wednesdays. On Thursdays through Saturdays, the restaurant remains open until 11 p.m. Parking at the location is free.

Additional beverages include hand-spun milkshakes, lemonade, agua frescas, and floats. The chain maintains an Instagram account at @TheStandRestaurants and a website at www.thestand.com.