Today we’d like to introduce you to Shari Petric.
Hi Shari, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Side Yard Public House is incredibly honored to be named Best Bar/Restaurant, Best Value,
and Best Salads for 2025 by the Escondido Chamber of Commerce and Escondido Eats.
Side Yard Public House was born out of a challenging time and a deep desire to continue
serving our community during COVID.
My husband, Alex Petric, built our Deli Market, also known as “Alex’s Deli Market” in 1987. The name was
changed in 2018 to The Market At Hidden Meadows when we remodeled and added a beautiful Coffee Espresso Bar and Gift Area . Our beloved local deli and market that has long been
a gathering place for our neighborhood. When COVID closures created uncertainty about how
small businesses could survive, our initial plan was simple: build an outdoor patio and serve
food from our market deli.
The excitement and support from our community quickly made us realize we had an
opportunity to do something bigger.
We decided to go all in—transforming our plans into a
true indoor/outdoor restaurant experience. We expanded beyond our deli menu, added beer
and wine, and created a warm, welcoming, relaxed environment where friends and families
could gather safely and comfortably.
That vision became Side Yard Public House.
Over the past four years, Side Yard has grown into far more than we ever imagined. What we
thought would be a local neighborhood hangout has become a destination for all of San Diego
County and beyond. We’re known for our rotating list of outstanding, hard-to-find craft beers
on tap, an extensive wine list, seltzers, and sours—paired with what our guests constantly tell
us is next-level food. Our large, diverse menu offers something for everyone, and the food is
often what people talk about most.
Side Yard is as beautiful as it is inviting. Lush plants, lots of TVs, and a spacious outdoor patio
set the tone for a fun yet laid-back atmosphere. Our patio hosts live music every Friday and
Saturday night and is frequently booked for wedding rehearsals, birthdays, and special
celebrations. The vibe is energetic, welcoming, and effortlessly chill.
Our incredible staff truly complete the experience. They are friendly, attentive, and passionate
about what they do, helping make every visit memorable. From Trivia Thursdays and holiday
celebrations to family-friendly events, there’s always something fun happening at Side Yard.
We are beyond proud of what Side Yard Public House has become. Each year it continues to
grow, improve, and welcome more first-time visitors every day. Thank you to our community
for believing in us and supporting us along the way.
Please come hang out with us for a bit—enjoy great food, great drinks, and relax in a truly chill
place.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a restaurant during COVID had more challenges than we had anticipated. The County Of San Diego was shut down for months, people worked remotely. Safe distancing was in effect and if someone contacted COVID everyone had to quarantine! Building materials were through the roof. It cost us three times as much to twice as long to build but WE DID IT!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I spent my younger years as a retail buyer before moving into real estate and home staging. Along the way, I was often hired as an interior decorator by clients, family, and friends, and I also became known for planning large events and creating holiday décor for many homes and businesses.
That love for creating warm, inviting, good-vibe environments played a huge role in shaping the look and feel of Side Yard Public House. I truly have an eye for it, and I pour my heart and soul into every project. Ideas constantly pop into my head, and I love turning them into reality. I’m always looking for ways to improve a space, to grow, refresh, and re-create what may have become tired.
Helping people feel happy, comfortable, and connected in a space I helped create is truly the best feeling I could have.
How do you think about luck?
I think luck has absolutely played a role in my life and business—but I’ve learned it rarely shows up wearing a name tag. Sometimes it looks like great timing, sometimes like a curveball you didn’t see coming. We’ve had our share of both good luck and bad luck, often back-to-back.
The “bad luck” moments usually forced us to pivot, get creative, and think bigger than we planned. And the good luck? That’s been the people—our community, our staff, and the support that keeps showing up when it matters most. I’ve learned that if you keep moving forward, stay open to change, and don’t give up, luck has a funny way of finding you.
At the end of the day, I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love, to build spaces that bring people together, and to serve a community that truly feels like home.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sideyardph
