Rancho Penasquitos is trading in its classic dive vibes for soccer scarves and smash burgers. Premier Pub, a soccer-focused neighborhood hangout, is stepping into the longtime Cheers Bar & Grill space and giving the familiar spot a full identity shift with live music, big-screen match nights and a more polished pub feel.

Owner John Reynolds told What Now San Diego, "We're getting away from the dive bar, and we're moving in a direction that’s, I'll just say, pub." According to the outlet, the bar is already operating in a kind of soft-open phase while Reynolds patches holes, paints and refreshes the décor. His goal is to create a family-friendly spot that doubles as a home base for local soccer leagues and World Cup watch parties.

Soccer On The Screens, Smash Burgers On The Grill

On its website, Premier Pub bills itself as "San Diego's Soccer Bar," spotlighting signature smash burgers, a rotating lineup of craft beers and weekly DJs and karaoke nights. The site also pitches the "Premier Club," a membership-style program offering perks and updates on upcoming events.

New Year's Launch And What’s Coming Next

As reported by What Now San Diego, Reynolds is aiming for an official brand launch on New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2026, with a full grand opening later in January. The outlet also notes that the evolving menu is set to feature a secret menu and a future burger challenge while renovations continue behind the scenes.

For years, Cheers Bar & Grill has served as a late-night sports bar and events venue in Plaza Rancho Penasquitos, according to Cheers Bar & Grill. Premier Pub’s arrival lands in the middle of a lively stretch for San Diego nightlife, joining a wave of new concepts that includes Little Italy’s hi-fi listening bar Kiku Room, which has started to reshape the city’s evening scene, as profiled by San Diego Magazine.